SHANGHAI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Leading global consumer goods company Reckitt is investing heavily in China, leveraging world-class R&D opportunities to bring new products to market, according to CEO Kris Licht.

"With world-class R&D, world-class manufacturing, and a great go-to-market system, Reckitt is in an investment mode in terms of China," Licht told Xinhua during the ground-breaking ceremony of its Global R&D Science and Innovation Center in Shanghai on Thursday.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Reckitt's operations on the Chinese mainland. Adhering to the "Design for China in China" strategy, currently around 95 percent of Reckitt's product portfolio in China is designed locally, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of Chinese consumers.

Spanning over 8,000 square meters, Reckitt's Global R&D Science and Innovation Center in Shanghai, with its world-class R&D facilities, cutting-edge digital systems, and AI-enabled technologies, represents an investment of over 300 million yuan (about 42 million U.S. dollars), making it the company's largest R&D site investment in Asia.

The center is scheduled to become operational in 2026, aiming to accelerate innovation and growth in China.

"From a talent perspective, we will be able to draw upon a wealth of scientists and experts from local universities and research institutions. At the same time, we will also bring in global talents," said the CEO.

According to Licht, this latest investment will enable them to expand their understanding of the evolving needs of Chinese consumers and deepen their scientific research capabilities, thereby bringing more products to market more swiftly.

"We plan to introduce new brands and broaden our product portfolio -- all of which require substantial investment," he noted.

As a hub of economic and technological innovation, Shanghai boasts a superior location, an abundant talent pool, and significant innovation resources. It also serves as the center of Reckitt's commercial business and is close to Reckitt's mega factory in Taicang City in east China's Jiangsu Province.

"Today, China is the most sophisticated market for us in terms of the rate of innovation, the level of consumer knowledge and engagement, and the growth of social commerce," he said, adding that the Chinese economy has progressed at an incredible pace.

At the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2024, China's policymakers, while mapping out economic work for 2025, highlighted the need to vigorously boost consumption, improve investment efficiency, and expand domestic demand on all fronts.

"We have products that cater to the needs of younger people all the way through to the silver generation. The booming silver economy in China has also brought opportunities for our business," he said. "We will continue to expand our product range to meet a wider array of needs."

Licht has a very positive outlook on the company's business in China in 2025, which is expected to involve strong growth and continued investment. "With our latest investment in the R&D center, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to this market," he said.

As a global consumer goods company headquartered in Britain, Reckitt operates in over 60 countries and regions, and markets its products in nearly 200 countries and regions worldwide. Enditem

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