Breakingbarriers

Chinese companies rely on technological innovation and high-quality products to succeed in Africa

The launch of Kenya’s first standard gauge railway (SGR), linking the port of Mombasa to the country’s capital Nairobi, in June marked a jump forward for the country’s transportation network, according to observers. Passengers’ travel time along the 480-km railway was cut by more than half, a direct result of the use of latest Chinese technology.

As Kenya’s biggest infrastructure project since independence in 1963, the SGR, built by China Road and Bridge Corp., is expected to speed up the East African country’s industrialization.

The project is a major breakthrough for Chinese companies, Chinese standards and Chinese operation and management personnel overseas, according to Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming, as it demonstrates the quality, speed, solutions and spirit of Chinese companies. for Chinese brands to speed up their internationalization, according to experts.

“Chinese companies are racing to take full advantage of favorable policies and initiatives in their innovation drive, and some are expanding in the international market,” said Gu Jianguo, Executive Vice President of China Jianyin Investment Ltd.

Chinese auto manufacturers, such as Brilliance Auto Group and Chery Automobile Co. Ltd., are also part of the internationalization trend.

Brilliance Auto exports its products to more than 68 countries and regions through an extensive network of over 400 overseas sales centers in Africa, Middle East, Central and South Americas and Europe. Chery has grown a sales and service network covering 46 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2016, these countries accounted for 85 percent of the automaker’s total exports.