‘Going global’ Chinese enterprises seek win-win cooperation with host countries

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Doing business and forming partnerships abroad, Chinese enterprises have largely achieved mutually beneficial cooperation with host countries, by supporting local economic, social and environmental development.

A worker enjoys a pleasant working environment in a Chinese steel enterprise in Nigeria on April 18, 2013. /CFP Photo

The firms’ overseas investment has not only enabled them to acquire brands and marketing channels and tap external resources, but also helped to develop industries in host countries and created employment from Africa to Europe.

Chinese overseas contracting projects in infrastructure have expanded common interests between China and host countries, transferred technology to developing nations, and enhanced local living conditions.

The localization of business operations and integration into local communities has also built up talent pools for host countries as well as multinational business expertise for the Chinese.

Economic performance

China’s SANY Heavy Industry Co., specialized in construction machinery, has set up representative offices in more than 150 countries and regions, tapping into local businesses and resources.

SANY India showcases machines at the BAUMA Conexpo in Gurgaon/Delhi from December 12 to 15, 2016. /SANY Photo

Recruiting and training local talent is a significant strategy of SANY India. With deep understanding of local politics, culture and the business environment, locally recruited employees can help the company meet custo‍mer needs.

SANY commits to social responsibilities through purchasing from local suppliers. It prefers components made locally in India so as to help encourage the development of industries in the country.

SANY India also brings benefits to local dealers via its great efforts on cultivating dealer relations and building an efficient distribution network in India, which in turns helps it save resources and avoid potential cultural conflicts.

China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) is a conglomerate with core businesses in engineering project contracting. It is the contractor of the Puttalam Power Plant, the largest government-backed project in Sri Lanka.

On September 16, 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka attended the initiation ceremony of the plant via video connection. Rajapaksa announced an immediate lowering of the prices of electricity and oil nationwide.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka in Colombo on September 16, 2014. /Xinhua Photo

As of 2015, the plant had satisfied over 50 percent of the national electricity demand, and has thus been nicknamed “the light of Victoria” by locals. It has become a distinctive symbol of the friendship between the two nations.

CMEC has committed to fulfilling its social responsibilities to ensure sound operation of the power plant upon delivery. It has offered intensive training and transferred technology to Sri Lankan engineers.

Social performance

China’s top PC maker Lenovo Group runs a responsible and sustainable business in over 160 countries worldwide. In its operations in the US, Lenovo has integrated into local communities.

It has donated PCs and tablets to students and underprivileged children to empower them with technology and help them reach their full potential.

US actor Ashton Kutcher presents a Lenovo tablet during a press conference on October 29, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. /CFP Photo

Lenovo has sponsored college students to attend an annual app development competition held by US non-profit organization National Academy Foundation (NAF), igniting enthusiasm for innovation.

Moreover, the enterprise has developed mechanisms for employees to make charitable donations and offered its staff paid leave to participate in voluntary community service.

Environmental performance

China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) is a Fortune 500 firm focusing on construction of transportation infrastructure. It was ranked third among Top 250 Global Contractors in 2016 by the Engineering News Record.

China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a subsidiary of CCCC, is responsible for the construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project, Kenya’s first new railway for nearly a century and largest infrastructure project since independence.

A construction worker on a section of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Emali, Kenya, October 10, 2015. /CFP Photo

CRBC is seen as a responsible Chinese enterprise that has given priority to local environmental protection and has ensured effective conservation of wildlife and their habitats while constructing the railway.

The enterprise has won praise from the Big Life Foundation in Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Service and World Animal Protection.

These four Chinese enterprises are just a few examples of the many of their kind that have become big contributors to balanced development of the economy, society and the environment in host countries.