China's private businesses strive for high-quality growth
High-quality development applies to more Chinese products than you might think. One of the more unique examples takes us to Taizhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province.
As China's largest smart toilet manufacturing base, Taizhou is home to over 30 large private producers engaged in the production of sanitary wares. /CGTN Photo
Founded in 1998, Bianjiebao was one of the pioneers in the industry. But according to its deputy director Guo Lei, the plant saw profit losses for 16 of the past 21 years in business.
Guo Lei, the deputy director of production operations department of Zhejiang Xingxing Bianjiebao Company, said now most private businesses are in a transition period. "They will not rely on low prices to sell our products, but focus on improving the quality with innovation and core technology. Prices may be higher, but the service will be much better."
Many private manufacturers say they used to compete in price wars, but things are changing. /CGTN Photo
After upgrading their production lines and designs, the company has made a profit every year since 2015, and become one of China's top sellers.
These days, toilets are not just for that call of nature, they have become a symbolic combination of decoration, function and personalization for the growing number of middle-class families.
In order to boost this burgeoning industry, a brand new national quality supervision and testing center for smart toilets is now open in the city. Local authorities have just issued a grand testing report to help these private businesses improve their quality control.
Cui Lijin, the deputy director of Zhejiang Consumer Protection Commission, told CGTN that the national standard should be a bottom line for companies, in terms of manufacturing, they need to look up to global standards like that of the EU and some other advanced countries.
With Chinese customers' growing need for quality goods and services, private companies have realized high-quality products are becoming the new norm. /CGTN Photo
Proper branding and industry standards are key to sustainable growth. Li Shufu, deputy to the National People's Congress and chairman of China's largest private car maker Geely Auto, echoes that idea.
Li told CGTN that the central government has proposed high-quality development as the way to lead people ahead. In the past, enterprises didn't know what high-quality development was, they only knew price wars were not sustainable, but now they need to compete in terms of technology, brand, quality, service and social responsibility.
Following tax cuts and fee reduction measures, China's private sector is expected to play a larger role in the nation's pursuit of high-end manufacturing. /CGTN Photo
The private sector now contributes more than 60 percent of China's GDP growth and provides over 80 percent of the country's job positions.