Dong Mingzhu: Innovation is crucial for 'Created in China' strategy

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Implementing the “Made in China 2025” strategy and speeding up efforts to build a strong manufacturing nation are high on the agenda during the Two Sessions.

CGTN spoke to National People's Congress (NPC) Deputy Dong Mingzhu, chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances Inc based in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

Under Dong, Gree has emerged as China's top air-conditioning manufacturer and a major player in the world market. Dong Mingzhu shared her views on technology innovation.

Attendence card of Dong Mingzhu, chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances Inc. /CGTN Photo

CGTN: During the Two Sessions, President Xi Jinping joined a panel discussion with NPC deputies from Guangdong Province. He said "development is the first priority, talent serves as the first resource, and innovation is the first driving force.” As an NPC deputy from Guangdong, what's your interpretation of President Xi’s remarks on the "Three Firsts"?

Dong: General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech to our delegation has inspired every NPC deputy from Guangdong. It's very impressive when he talks face-to-face with us. Over the past five years, our country has made tremendous achievements and has mapped out the blueprint in the new era. General Secretary Xi has pointed out that although Guangdong is a major economic province, more efforts are needed to speed up the pace of innovation to make Guangdong become a creative province. For me, who is from the manufacturing sector, I deeply feel the importance of General Secretary Xi’s speech to us.

CGTN: What did General Secretary Xi Jinping talk to you? What impressed you most?

Dong: Yes, General Secretary Xi Jinping talked to me, saying: Dong Mingzhu, you have carried out a good advertisement full of positive energy! I am very honored and touched by his praise to me. Guangdong in the past has imitated or used the technologies and talents of others. I think relying on buying technologies can never make a company grow, it is only through innovation that Chinese-made products can be upgraded, and the cultivation of more innovative personnel can help overcome our shortcomings and achieve better development.

CGTN: How do you think the real economy can upgrade to high-quality growth with core technology?

Dong: Everyone's impression is that Gree is an air-conditioning manufacturer, we take the leading role and rank top in the global air-conditioner industry, but there are still many challenges ahead. We need to ensure our products are of high quality. And we need to keep on innovating. It's the same when it comes to the upgrading and transforming of our real economy, more high tech machines or intelligent equipment is needed for the companies' production to meet consumers' increased demands. Core technology and skills are the key to becoming a strong manufacturing power. And our company, Gree, is now reliant on smart machines in our major factories.

Dong Mingzhu, chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances Inc, at Two Session's "Delegates' Corridor" on March 9, 2018. /People.cn Photo

CGTN: This year's government work report stresses the building of a powerful manufacturing nation. From "Made in China" to "Created in China", what is the criteria for being stronger?

Dong: I think firstly we must have the craftsmanship spirit. Secondly, we must have the spirit of overcoming challenges. And thirdly, having a sense of responsibility, especially for entrepreneurs. Our country attaches great importance to entrepreneurs. Our government has created a better environment for entrepreneurs to do business, including raising the tax threshold, fighting against intellectual property rights infringement and establishing a better system for the manufacturing sector and enhancing exchanges of talents. In an epoch-making era of transforming from "Made in China” to "Created in China," we need to speed up the pace of innovation to make a change.

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