National People's Congress Deputy Dong Mingzhu, chairwoman of multinational appliance giant Gree Electric, shared insights into China's private sector dynamics during a recent interview at Beijing's Great Hall of the People. The self-made billionaire highlighted the importance of technological innovation and workforce development in sustaining economic growth amid global uncertainties.
Dong emphasized that private enterprises must prioritize R&D investments to maintain competitiveness, citing Gree's annual $2.3 billion innovation budget. "True business success comes from solving societal challenges through technology," she told interviewer Sean Callebs of CGTN, referencing Gree's breakthroughs in energy-efficient cooling systems.
The discussion also addressed workforce equality, with Dong detailing Gree's corporate housing programs covering 90% of employees. As one of China's most influential business figures, her journey from a 30-year-old salesperson to leading a $40 billion company has become emblematic of the private sector's role in China's economic transformation.
