Shanghai is not only an important market for Adidas but also a source of creativity and innovation, said Bjoern Gulden, chief executive officer of the sports brand, on the sidelines of the 38th annual meeting of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai.

Founded in 1989, IBLAC brings together international business leaders and industry experts to advise Shanghai on its development and opening-up. A total of 42 international business leaders from 14 countries attended this year's meeting on Oct 11.

Gulden, attending the IBLAC meeting for the third consecutive year, said the Chinese market remains vibrant and offers substantial growth potential, and that Shanghai is becoming a global creative hub linking China to the rest of the world.

Gulden highlighted the growing influence of Chinese design over the past five years, particularly in apparel, noting that Chinese designs were increasingly reaching international markets.

He also pointed to Adidas' strong growth in China, alongside its expanding store network and greater emphasis on sports.

Chinese consumers were increasingly participating in sports, he added, while fashion and lifestyle remained important to the market.

Citing statistics he had seen, Gulden said that sports participation and consumption in Shanghai had grown substantially over the past decade.

Adidas has about 160 designers based in Shanghai, according to Gulden. The company plans to relocate to new offices at Westbund Central in Shanghai's West Bund. Gulden said the surrounding area would also include sports facilities.

"It's a great, vibrant city. It is an international hub. So we see that Shanghai is extremely important for the future, both locally and globally," he said.

Looking ahead, Adidas plans to strengthen ties with Chinese sports events, teams, and federations, expand its physical and digital retail presence, and explore innovation in AI, materials, and design.