Chinese VP meets chief executives of Swire Group and Novartis

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng has met separately in Beijing with Merlin Swire, chief executive of John Swire & Sons, the parent company of Swire Group and chief executive Vas Narasimhan, chief executive of Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis, who were here for the 2025 China Development Forum.
Han noted that Swire Group, as a globally renowned multinational company, has achieved significant growth in both mainland China and Hong Kong. 
He expressed hope that the company would actively participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port, while also contributing to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub.
Meanwhile, Han emphasized that the Chinese government encourages and supports the research and development of innovative drugs, while strengthening intellectual property protection in accordance with the law. 
He assured that China aims to provide a better innovation environment for foreign companies, including Novartis.
STAFF REPORTER