The world's largest air conditioner maker Gree is doubling down on cooling technology and semiconductors, even as it faces skepticism about its ability to diversify. Plus, how will current trade tensions affect Gree's globalization strategy? We speak to the company's chairwoman Dong Mingzhu.

Dong Mingzhu "We've been thinking about the Brazil plant. For example, are we creating value, are we improving the quality of life for local consumers? So we would adjust that thinking according to market needs. The timing is still to be decided, because right now the international uncertainties could have an impact on companies. What we do is serve consumers, all our products are geared towards improving people's lives. I don't think anyone has a case to reject us. Like the PV air conditioners, we are the only company that makes them. It's a very green product and it's sold in America. Now that the tariffs go up, locals have to pay more. So internationalisation is not a one way street, it's an issue we have to consider together." 

Dong Mingzhu "I don't think the concerns are warranted. I've been at Gree for 28 years, I've seen the entire evolution and I know what sort of talent is needed for the next phase. The first responsibility is to limit risk. I think the most important thing is integrity, some people use power for personal gains. In all my time here I started turning things around in 1990 by innovating marketing, because you have to make money to invest in technology. Then we focused on quality, because back then we lagged behind many brands, so that meant using better materials. Nothing happened overnight. That's why I think loyalty and honesty are of utmost importance, followed by skills. No matter how high up you are, you have to remember you serve the company, you have to remember your duties."