Haier

17-Year Old Haier on the Way to The World Top 500 On December 26th 2001, which is Haier's 17-year anniversary, Haier released exciting news: its turnover in 2001 will exceed RMB 60 billion, marking a record of maintaining an annual increase of 78% for 17 consecutive years; its export profit in foreign currency is estimated to be US$420 million, an increase of 50% over the last year after the growth rate was redoubled in the previous two years. Haier has enhanced improved its reputation overseas over the past one year. According to Forbes magazine, Haier's competitiveness was ranked sixth in the world white household appliances industry; according to Euromonitor's statistics in 2001, Haier-brand refrigerators and wash machines were respectively ranked second and third. On December 26th 2001, Haier's 17-Year Anniversary was held. About 300 business representatives, government officials and experts attended the forum. Among these guests were Mr. Chen Shineng, chairman of China Light Industry Association, Mr. Zhao Jiebing, deputy-secretary of China Enterprises' Working Committee, Mr. Liu Hongru, deputy director of Economy Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Yihui, deputy secretary-general of State Economic and Trade Commission, Mr. Zhang Huilai, secretary of Qingdao CPC Committee and Mr. Du Shicheng, mayor of Qingdao. They all spoke highly Haier. On the forum, Ms. Yang Mianmian, president of Haier, made a report on Haier's achievement in 2001; Mr. Zhang Ruimin, CEO of Haier, reported Haier's development in 2001 and future plans. Given the fact that China has entered WTO, Haier's domestic and overseas strategy in 2001 is to attract high-value orders, avoid price wars, reconstruct the logistics based on international and local markets and improve competitiveness. As for future development, Haier will establish an multinational group through investment in the financial sector. Government officials and experts at the forum gave good comments on Mr. Zhang's speech and maintained that Haier's success was precious experience for Chinese enterprises.