A staff at the service hall processes business license applications. [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

In 2021, the person in charge of SMC received business licenses for SMC Investment Management Co and SMC Automation Co Ltd, marking the official establishment of SMC China Headquarters in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA). It is a pivotal step in advancing the development of the "Two Zones".

SMC is a Fortune 500 company and a global leader in pneumatic components research, manufacturing, and sales. SMC China was one of the earliest foreign investors in the BDA and has completed four key projects, including factories and a research center, contributing to the high-quality development of the industrial sector. The rise of high-precision industrial automation in China has expanded the pneumatic industry market.

With the establishment of SMC China Headquarters, it will oversee SMC's investments, manufacturing, research, and sales activities in China. The headquarters is about to integrate its manufacturing resources in China, aiming to drive growth in the Chinese market, support global advancements in smart manufacturing, and ultimately increase revenue and overall benefits.

"The BDA has emerged as a policy hub, offering top-notch business and industrial development conditions. This has strengthened our confidence in developing within the area and choosing it as our headquarters location," said Ma Qinghai, general manager of SMC (China) Co Ltd.

With the launch of the China (Beijing) Pilot Free-Trade Zone High-End Industries Area, the BDA has become the nation's unique region that integrates the policy benefits of national economic and technological development zone, national high-tech industrial development zone, free trade zone, and integrated demonstration zone for opening up the services sector. The swift implementation of industry support policies and innovative service mechanisms, like the "frontline working method" and "enterprise service stewards", consistently improves the business environment.

"The support policies and services in the BDA have not only propelled us to achieve new milestones in our development, boosting our confidence, but have also played a crucial role in the establishment of SMC China Headquarters," Ma remarked.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SMC resumed work and production ahead of schedule with the help of the zone. SMC expanded its capacity for key components to ensure the supply, which, in turn, supported other companies in scaling up the production of face masks and respirators for epidemic control.

Meanwhile, the BDA convened a supply-demand matchmaking meeting for crucial industrial production components, fostering collaborations between SMC and seven local enterprises such as BOE and NAURA Technology Group Co. They supplied pneumatic components, helping SMC overcome challenges during the pandemic outbreak and supporting the production of 50 percent of new mask-making machine pneumatic components for the domestic market.

"In just three hours, we went from receiving company name approval from the State Administration for Market Regulation to obtaining our business license," explained an SMC representative. SMC experienced strong support from national and Beijing municipal authorities during the establishment of SMC Investment Management Co and SMC Automation Co Ltd, and benefited from the BDA's comprehensive 'butler-style' service.

With the construction of the "Two Zones", the BDA is strategically positioning itself for high-quality regional development. Through a three-year action plan, it aims to drive growth, enhance policy synergy, support high-quality business development, and facilitate the smooth flow of dual circulation.

The workshop of SMC China Co Ltd [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

The BDA facilitates swift business licensing for enterprises.  [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]