China has become Brazil’s largest trading partner, and its investment in the country continue to increase every year. CCTV reporter Su Yuting has visited a Chinese company in the Manaus free trade zone in Brazil’s north to find out how Chinese investment is affecting the local area.
Gree was among the first Chinese companies to enter Brazil. China’s largest air conditioner manufacturer established a factory in Manaus. Like many Chinese companies, Gree is transforming from the traditional investment model into a more technology-driven one.
"In recent years, we have turned to more energy-saving and environmentally-friendly technology. We’ve been a leading enterprise that has helped the local Brazilian government come up with strict standards on producing quality products. This has also greatly pushed forward the air conditioning industry in Brazil." said Zhou Zhongquan, Manager, Technical Department, Gree Brazil.
In addition to meeting the needs of Brazil’s rapidly expanding middle-class, Chinese companies like Gree also provide lots of job opportunities for locals.
China has been increasing its investment in Brazil. Lots of Chinese companies like Gree have become a household name in Manaus, for its advanced technology and huge productivity. In this assembly line, all the employees are local Brazilians. They can produce 1200 air conditioners in just one single day.
Renato is a local resident. He joined Gree many years ago, and has now become one of the senior managers. He says he likes the Chinese way of doing business, but that Chinese companies can do even better.
"Chinese companies like Gree have benefited local people a lot. But I think we need to do more. Chinese companies must learn to work with local partners and navigate the legal and environmental regulatory systems." said Renato Cesar, Administrative Manager, Gree Brazil.
With Chinese investments only set to rise further in the years to come, trade ties between China and Brazil have bright days ahead of them.
