During the last weekend, the CEOChief executive officeror executive director.”>1 da Apple, Tim Cookparticipated in the China Development Forum, an annual event that brings together business and academic representatives from around the world, as well as Chinese government leaders. It was the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that Cook went to the Asian country.
In his speech, given to a panel on technology and education, the executive avoided controversies such as the hegemonic dispute between the United States and China. On the contrary, according to the MacRumorshe preferred to highlight the “symbiotic relationship” between Apple and the country, which have grown together in these 30 years of the company’s presence in the Asian nation.
We have a very large supply chain operation in China and we also have our Apple Stores. From the moment we landed yesterday, we mightn’t wait to see some of our customers, so we headed over to the Sanlitun store.
Another highlighted theme was that of innovation — which, according to Cook, is rapidly developing in the country and has an even more prosperous future. Also remembered were the millions of Chinese iOS developers, essential for creating new solutions.
The executive also met China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, with whom he spoke regarding Apple’s development in the country, as well as the need to stabilize supply chains and continue opening the country to companies like Maçã. As highlighted by 9to5Maca statement from the ministry highlighted the government’s willingness to carry out institutional openings in order to create a good business environment.
Despite all this enthusiasm, it is worth remembering that Apple is planning to reduce this “symbiosis” with the Asian country a little. With the problems involving the manufacture of iPhones and MacBooks during the pandemic, Apple itself is looking to reduce its dependence on China, but this process will not be easy.
In any case, while this long road is being trodden, the Cupertino giant continues to invest in initiatives in Chinese territory. How did the Patently AppleCook took advantage of the visit to announce a donation of $14.5 million for the China Development Research Foundation.
The idea is that the value is directed to the three-year project Smart Gardener, which focuses on students and teachers of basic education in rural areas. The initiative is expected to impact around 2 million students e 120 thousand teachersin order to increase opportunities and digital learning in underdeveloped areas.
The donation is part of a long-term cooperative partnership between Apple and the foundation. There have already been other contributions in 2018 and 2021, as well as donations of iPads and MacBooks in several Chinese provinces. With this, the company seeks to help reduce educational disparities between urban and rural areas, improving education policies aimed at less favored regions.
