THE president and CEO of Royal Philips Electronics, Gerard Kleisterlee, said last week the company's China growth plan was on track with double digit growth rates expected over coming years.

　　Gerard made the remarks at a press conference last Friday in Shanghai, after Philips' Board of Management successfully concluded a week-long visit to China as part of its annual strategic review. The visit included meetings with political and industry leaders as well as with customers.

　　"China is one of the most important growth markets in our current transformation into a more marketing-driven company. This week's visit also underlines our way ahead to developing world-class partnerships and R&D facilities throughout the country, as well as strengthening our relationship with the Central and local governments with respect to addressing China's sustainable development," said Gerard at the press conference.

　　"Our research and development activities in the country will be stepped-up to strengthen Philip's leadership in the areas of health care, lifestyle and technology," he added, citing Philip's medical imaging equipment joint venture with Neusoft as a recent example of the company's ongoing commitment to China. (Star News)