(Yicai) Nov. 1 -- Digital transformation is the biggest certainty to realize high-quality industrial development, as multinational companies face uncertainties in the era of global supply chain reconstruction, according to the chairman of Siemens China.

"We can all see the certainty among uncertainties for the development of the digital economy," Xiao Song recently told Yicai.

Geopolitics, Covid-19, and other factors have impacted the global industrial landscape, Xiao said. In the case of supply chains, countries are shifting to pursuing a balance between efficiency and security from prioritizing costs and efficiency, he noted, adding that during such process, China remains a crucial link in the global supply chain.

In the past two years, Xiao's team visited almost 30 leading Chinese firms, including carmaker FAW Group, battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology, and smartphone manufacturer Oppo Mobile Telecommunications, he pointed out, adding that their sectors and development stages vary, but they all have the needs of digital transformation.

To meet companies' digital transformation needs, the German industrial giant will bring its advanced innovative technologies and products, including Simatic Robot Pick AI, an artificial intelligence-driven software for robotic picking systems, Smart ECX, a smart energy carbon management platform, and an intelligent agricultural solution, at the upcoming sixth China International Import Expo, Xiao noted.

Siemens attended all CIIEs so far. Last year, the firm released its open digital business platform Xcelerator to the Chinese market at the expo. So far, Xcelerator has reached cooperation with 40 partners and launched almost 20 localized solutions.

In June, Siemens announced it would invest CNY1.1 billion (USD150.3 million) to expand its digital plant in Chengdu, China's southwestern Sichuan province, to enhance its local development, research, and manufacturing capabilities. In June last year, Siemens' first digital native factory worldwide and biggest motion control system plant outside Germany became operational in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing.

Siemens employs over 30,000 staffers in China, runs over 40 units and 21 research and development centers, and has over 6,000 active suppliers and more than 50,000 clients and partners.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Futura Costaglione