From July 01 to July 08, Christian Wild, as the CEO of AMEXIS, had the opportunity to participate in a delegation trip to China alongside representatives from the state of Baden-Württemberg. The trip was aligned with the World AI Conference. Here are his impressions and experiences.



The preparation for the journey posed challenges. In addition to the usual travel arrangements, I also had to undergo a COVID-19 test and register the results with the Chinese health authorities. After a smooth departure from FFM Airport, we arrived in Beijing.

The arrival in Beijing was met with pleasant weather, and despite the time difference, I was able to sleep well and rest. Alongside some members of the delegation, I visited the largest Chinese Buddhist temple and the Peace Square. In the evening, we were warmly welcomed by the management of BW International and representatives of the AHK to discuss current economic and political trends.

The highlight of the first day was a visit to the ZGC Software Park, a rapidly established hub in Beijing. This is where the headquarters of Baidu, a leading AI company, is located. It provided us with the chance to acquaint ourselves with companies in the AI sector.

On July 04, we were warmly received by the management of the ZGC Group's AI Park and representatives of the regional government. We were presented with insights into the current strategy and the latest technologies, including the interest to encourage European AI startups to invest in China. A visit to Apollo Park, a subsidiary of Baidu engaged in autonomous driving, offered us intriguing insights into China's strategy and vision. We had the opportunity to experience autonomous vehicles firsthand and explore additional products.

The following day, we traveled to Shanghai via high-speed train. In the afternoon, we visited State Grid, engaging in discussions about e-mobility, the use of AI in forecasting, and managing charging times. In the evening, I attended a networking event hosted by PWC Shanghai, where I established valuable connections.

July 06 began early with my participation in the World AI Conference. Prominent figures like Elon Musk, Microsoft's executive team, and the President of IEEE delivered inspiring talks. I had the privilege to present AMEXIS to a large audience and establish meaningful contacts. Later that evening, I engaged with local AI startups.

The trip concluded as representatives from Baden-Württemberg visited the conference. Our delegation garnered media attention, and I even had the honor of being interviewed by Chinese state television.

The journey came to an end on July 08 with our return to Germany. In essence, this delegation trip to China provided invaluable insights into China's AI landscape, fostered exchanges with industry leaders, and facilitated the formation of vital business contacts. It marked a successful step toward enhanced collaboration between Baden-Württemberg and China in the realm of Artificial Intelligence.