Speed the selling point for trainmakers

When Li makes an overseas visit, one of the gifts he gives is a model of the CHR 380A, a high-speed, multiple-unit train manufactured by CSR Qingdao Sifang Co. Nearly half of the high-speed trains in China are manufactured by Sifang.

The company had hoped to build a high-speed rail line linking Mexico City with the industrial hub of Queretaro, and it made enormous efforts to win the deal, only to see the bidding suspended by the Mexican government.

Ma Qiang, a manager at Sifang's overseas department, said that the company has exported its products to more than 20 countries, and still believes there are "great opportunities" in the overseas market.

It won a $1 billion contract to provide an intercity train to Argentina in 2013. The first 54 cars have already gone into service in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. Ma said that last month, Sifang dispatched more than 30 staff to Argentina, where it is providing technical support and training under the terms of the contract.

"That means our 'going out' program has moved from just providing products to a combination of products, services and technologies," said Ma.

CSR won $3.76 billion in overseas orders in 2014, up 68.6 percent from the previous year, the company said.

It is pursuing a Thai railway project as well as a high-speed project linking Singapore and Malaysia, he said.

"CSR has established closer trade ties with the related countries and we will spare no effort in promoting the 'going out' strategy," he added.