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Making the world know China better
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-04 07:58
A series of advertisements for "Made in China" products were broadcast on some major international media outlets recently to promote Chinese products and brand names. But we should promote China's soft power, too, says an article in Huashang Newspaper. Except:
Four Chinese chambers of commerce planned a series of adverts to promote "Made in China" products in the international market. The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) supports their initiative, an MOC official said, because it is important to promote China and its products in the global market.
As a major trading country and the "workshop of the world", China has to run such a campaign. But its direct effect may not be more than just "wide publicity" and we cannot build a new image for China if we don't promote its soft power simultaneously.
China has achieved rapid economic growth since the reform and opening up because its low labor cost has given it a competitive edge in the global market. But that has also given rise to some "cheap" products and a large number of goods with low added value.
Chinese products seem to have penetrated every corner of the world. But the ultimate competition is in hi-tech and high-added-value products.
While promoting "Made in China" products we should not restrict ourselves to commercial bombardment. Instead, we should also promote China's soft power by showcasing its culture, art and enterprises. The international community will get to understand China better if we run the two campaigns together.
(China Daily 12/04/2009 page9)
