Chongqing – At the 2025 China’s Two Sessions, the government work report called for increased reinvestment from foreign investors. But how do foreign companies perceive the Chinese market and its evolving opportunities? 

Bridging News spoke with Dr. Paddison, Jonathan, Member of the Board of Directors of Knorr-Bremse Asia Pacific (Holding) Ltd. and Chairman of Rail Vehicle Systems China, to discuss how the global leader in railway vehicle braking systems is expanding in China, particularly in Chongqing.

Dr. Paddison, Jonathan is a Member of the Board of Directors of Knorr-Bremse Asia Pacific (Holding) Ltd and Chairman of Rail Vehicle Systems China. (Photo/Huan Ran)

Regarding the Two Sessions, Dr. Paddison highlighted the focus on environmental concerns and China's commitment to opening-up. 

"Our products are designed to be lightweight and energy-efficient, which aligns well with the objectives of the Two Sessions, especially the emphasis on creating a pleasant living environment and reducing energy consumption," he explained.

He also emphasized the importance of China's open-door policy, noting that it fits perfectly with Knorr-Bremse's strategy to establish a strong foundation in China. "Being deeply rooted in China not only serves the local market but also strengthens our position globally," he added.

Knorr-Bremse, a global leader in braking systems, has played a vital role in China's rail and commercial vehicle industries. With a long-standing presence in China, it has become a key supplier for its railway and metro systems. The company provides essential rail subsystems in Chongqing, including braking systems, air conditioning, and door mechanisms.

Knorr-Bremse provides door systems for Chongqing's railways. (Photo/Knorr-Bremse)

Discussing Chongqing's role in Knorr-Bremse's global strategy, Dr. Paddison described the city as a major hub in southwest China. "We view Chongqing not only as a key player in the railway market but also as a gateway to the broader region, supporting our business in Chengdu and benefiting from proximity to China's railway facilities near Chongqing," he said.

Looking ahead, Dr. Paddison highlighted the ambitious expansion of Chongqing's railway network, currently spanning about 500 kilometers and planned to extend it up to 2,000 kilometers in the coming years. "We want to be part of this growth and expand alongside our customers," he stated.

Looking toward the future, Dr. Paddison emphasized that technology is a driving force for the company, particularly the digitalization of railways. 

"We see opportunities to expand our digital offerings in Chongqing, providing smarter products that can predict maintenance needs and improve efficiency," he said.

Furthermore, Dr. Paddison observed the growing business exchanges between China and Germany. "No country has a monopoly on good ideas. It's essential to exchange perspectives to generate new ideas," he said.

He also pointed out that Knorr-Bremse has more employees in China than in Germany, with many highly qualified Chinese engineers contributing significantly to product development. "I'm very pleased with our progress. We continue to grow stronger, working alongside our customers to provide the support they need," he concluded.

(Huan Ran, as an intern, also contributed to the report)