Chinese business captain for good working conditions

Chairman of home appliance manufacturer Guangdong Galanz Group Company Limited, Leung Chiu Yin has stressed the need for humane working conditions in Chinese-owned companies.

Responding to a question during a meeting with a team of African journalists on a tour in China over concerns about alleged ill-treatment of workers in Chinese firms in Africa, Leung whose company plans to expand in Africa, said investors must strive to make work enjoyable.

“All companies must respect local workers. If you cannot do this you cannot get respect from your workers,” he said.

Leung said Chinese companies strive to practice their culture of mutual respect while observing the laws of the countries where they are operating in.

In the past decade, Africa has registered an increase in Chinese businesses. Reports of ill-treatment and poor working conditions  in their firms  have, however, dented the image of the Chinese investors.

During the construction of the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, photojournalist Jacob Nankhonya captured on camera a Chinese national chasing a worker who contravened the construction site’s rules and regulations.

Leung said human resource is the most important asset in an organisation.

“We insist that people are the primary asset of an organisation. We respect all staff whether one is a technician or scientist,” he said.

Leung also echoed President Xi Jin Ping’s call to value the family.

“Do not drive the workers too much. Give them time to be with their family,” he said.

During the briefing, Leung said as his company seeks to expand into Africa, they are considering translating user manuals for their appliances for the benefit of those who do not understand Chinese language.

“We will also use pictures to enhance the understanding,” he said.

Guangdong Galanz Group Company Limited manufactures assorted household appliances and employs 20 000 people.

The company plans to increase its production by 30 percent. This year the company has introduced refrigerators with artificial intelligence and three in one appliances containing air fryer, toaster and microwave.