Chinese Manufacturing Industry: Development in the face of trials galore

Fang Fang is a woman in her mid-30s working with a Chinese railway construction company. She represents a growing Chinese workforce, one that is a leave or two short. Xingua, a state run news agency reported a leave application photo shared by Fang Fang, wherein the reason she cited was this:” I have almost forgotten how my husband looks and I want to go and see him.”

China’s extraordinary progress

The manufacturing industry in China has witnessed unprecedented and rapid development over the years to steadily emerge as the most generous contributor in China’s strengthening economy. This is substantiated the massive footprint that the industry has left on semi-urban and rural Chinese employment.

The international recognition of the country or the fact its competitiveness on a global scale is noticed, can largely be attributed to the skilled workforce that has elevated the nation as the world’s manufacturing hub.

Records to fall back on

China is a major global manufacturing hub. Besides being the second largest manufacturing economy (right after US), the country ranks first in terms of goods’ export. It also has the fastest growing consumer market and comes a close second from the goods’ import perspective. Given how China has significantly contributed to international trade, the number of organizations with which it has involved itself or the treaties signed also speak volumes about how rapid the progress is made.

Industries in China have only witnessed rise in all these years. Manufacturing being a potent one and the others like mining, construction, power and the like contributes almost 50% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Currently, it is considered as an upper middle income country of East Asia. How? A survey conducted on the vital industries of China reflects that the manufacturing industry is at a rather advantageous position in the whole of Asia.

Not only are there adequate labor resources to deal with the structural changes but many other forces are also responsible for the success. This includes infrastructure, perfect business environment coupled with active support from the government.

The way ahead

Chinese manufacturing companies are currently going steady in the path to compete with the best of units based globally. But that does not imply that the industry is sans challenges and pressures. Most organizations are found to be concerned with matters related to tax costs’ increase, obstacles in the path to progress, particularly for domestic markets, internal operation issues and so on.

The government is definitely doing its bit to provide a clear direction for the manufacturing sector, but there’s scope for more. If China wants to really achieve success in operational matters, slight innovation in the products and services and promoting a performance based culture, besides seeing to risk management and control can help to a large extent.

And frankly, taking breaks from work and spending quality time with one’s family will only ensure work productivity. The sooner China realizes this simple fact, the better for employees!