Chinese firms should step up technological innovation, TCL head says

China's high-tech manufacturing industry should step up technological innovation and boost its presence in overseas markets, said Li Dongsheng, founder and chairman of Chinese consumer electronics maker TCL Technology Group Corp.

Globalization is an irresistible trend for Chinese enterprises, Li said, while highlighting it is necessary to promote the transformation and upgrade of manufacturing industry. He made the remarks at Yabuli China Entrepreneurs Forum held in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, last week.

Chinese enterprises should shift from exporting products to exporting industrial capacity, improve industrial chain systems and support global operations, Li said.

"China's manufacturing sector must strive for technological innovation so as to survive in the fierce international competition."

Li said he believed that Chinese enterprises are capable of coping with the transformation and upgrading of manufacturing industry as well as the challenges arising from globalization.

According to him, TCL has ramped up efforts to expand its presence in the upstream of industrial chains, including semiconductor displays and new energy photovoltaics.

The company has set up 46 research and development centers and 33 manufacturing centers around the world, with operations in more than 160 countries and regions.

fanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn