From 'Made in China' to 'Developed in China'

A model displays a ZTE panel computer at an international telecom equipment expo in Singapore. The Chinese telecom equipment and mobile phone vendor has attached increasing importance to the overseas market for future growth. [Photo/Xinhua]

DIALOGUE 2

Xinhua: What are the competitive edges and weaknesses of Chinese manufactured products compared with their international competitors?

"The (Chinese) technology is very good," said Brenden Riley, sales chief of BYD's North American office. "My only concern with Chinese new tech is that I don't find the design so pretty yet, but that will come with time."

Chinese-made products "need to be cooler, prettier," Riley noted. "The life cycle of high-tech products is short, so the international competition requires a different way, more localized ... I think it's coming but just not there yet."

However, to Sivander, the tempting quality and price of Chinese mobiles made them successful in local market.

"We have all the features that any advanced smartphone has on the market right now," he said, "The good thing with this phone is we can offer it with attractive price here in north Europe, which means that we are competing with the major player but giving more value for money."

"What we need to improve our performance here is to work on our brand, to inform the consumers that ZTE exists and has designed proper products," Sivander suggested.

ZTE puts the accent on North America

Made in China' climbs global value chain