Ralph Haupter, Microsoft's Greater China CEO, says Microsoft will want to hear more about China's plan for economic restructuring when President Xi Jinping arrives.
"The state visit I think is just an opportunity for us to engage deeper, and learn deeper, and thinking of President Xi…And it is also an opportunity for us to see how we can help on that transformation from economic perspective as Microsoft here in China."
As part of his time in Seattle, Xi Jinping is expected to address a forum between a number of Chinese tech executives, including Baidu's Robin Li and Alibaba founder Jack Ma, who will be joined by executives from top U.S. tech companies including Apple, Facebook and Google.
Microsoft's Ralph Haupter says he's very interested to hear what Xi Jinping has to say about technological innovation.
"I think having the President visit in the United States and establishing through that visit a platform for technology discussion, technology information exchange and giving an opportunity for companies on exchanging their economic vision and interest is just unique. Having that opportunity coming forward is fantastic. So specific outcomes we will all need wait to see. But I felt very encouraged on him giving in the interest, in industry, him giving the signal on the interest of helping companies to drive innovation is fantastic."
Haupter says Microsoft's current position in China puts the company in a good position when it comes to developing talent and opportunities from the country.
"When there is a huge portfolio of innovation coming from market here, the good thing and exciting thing for us is Microsoft being here in China is that I think we are engaging with these companies in many many ways and they are using our technology in many ways. Because we are here in China to be in market and play with companies for a better off economy, for the better off the success of the companies."
Xi Jinping is scheduled to have dinner with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates at his lakeside estate before making his way to Washington.
