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On September 17th, China General Chamber of Commerce - USA (CGCC) hosted a discussion of the documentary film, “American Factory,” which tells the story of the establishment of Fuyao Glass America’s auto glass factory in Moraine, Ohio. Held at the CGCC New York office, Jeff Liu, CGCC Board Director and President and CEO of Fuyao Group North America discussed the documentary and shared his experiences with other CGCC members and the media.
Mr. Liu began the discussion by describing the development of Fuyao Glass America and shared his own experiences in the American automotive industry. He explained that since its first day of operation in the U.S., Fuyao has encountered various obstacles as a Chinese enterprise in the U.S., many of which are particularly caused by cultural differences.
Mr. Liu also emphasized strong internal control and quick adaptation to market dynamics as two critical factors in determining the growth of an overseas enterprise.
While sharing his past experiences in the automotive industry, Mr. Liu commented that one concept that he learned while at General Motors (GM) is working “nonstop.” Applying what he learned at GM into his own business philosophy, Mr. Liu has helped to grow Fuyao’s investment and resolve various challenges.
As shown in “American Factory,” Fuyao was confronted by employees to establish a labor union. When asked about how to resolve this conflict, Mr. Liu referred to Honda Japan, a company that experienced a similar conflict in the past. Honda Japan approached this conflict step-by-step, further refining human resources practices and negotiating with employees.
While “American Factory” mentioned the impact Fuyao has brought on the local community and cultural exchange between Chinese and Americans, Mr. Liu said the film has missed Fuyao’s dedication to charity work and other contributions to its employees and the local community. Recently Fuyao has built new rest areas for employees and rolled out “Family Day”, a day where the company invites the employee’s family members to visit the Fuyao factory.
CGCC thanks Mr. Liu for sharing his unique insights and experiences, and thanks the following CGCC members and partners who attended the event: State Grid US Representative Office, Gemdale USA Corporation, China Unicom Americas,Hongdou New York Inc., China Southern Airlines, Broad U.S.A Inc., East West Bank, Sina Corp, Sing Tao Daily, Xinhua News Agency, the China Press, Jiefang Daily, People’s Daily, Beijing Review, Tencent, Capital Market, World Journal, Caixin, China News Service, and The Economic Daily (Jingji Ribao).
Click here to view event photos and video
About CGCC:
Founded in 2005, the China General Chamber of Commerce – USA (“CGCC”) has been recognized as the largest and most influential non-profit organization representing Chinese enterprises in the U.S. Its membership consists of more than 1,500 Chinese and U.S. companies, 54 of which are ranked on the 2019 Fortune Global 500. CGCC’s mission is to create value, generate economic growth, and enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese business communities. CGCC conducts extensive research and provides a broad range of programs, services, and resources to its members and key stakeholders in an effort to foster the mutual understanding, trust, and engagement between China and the U.S. As of 2018, CGCC’s Chinese member companies have cumulatively invested over $120 billion, employ more than 200,000 people, and support over one million jobs throughout the United States.
CGCC is a national organization and includes CGCC-New York (CGCCUSA-HQ), CGCC-Chicago, CGCC-Houston, CGCC-Los Angeles, CGCC-San Francisco and CGCC-Washington D.C.
About CGCC Foundation:
Established in 2014, CGCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The mission of CGCC Foundation is to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and China through research, public charity and engagement in economic, cultural and social exchanges.