Energy China in Latin America
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E-mail China Today, September 8, 2015
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The China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd. showcases its engineering feats and achievements at a South American energy exhibition. |
Meet Multiple Local Needs
"Latin Americans welcome Chinese hydropower companies since they not only bring clean energy but also provide job opportunities to locals," Zhang said. "Of Energy China's 3,000 employees at the Sopladora Hydropower Station project in Ecuador, 2,200 are Ecuadorians." A local managerial staff's annual salary amounts to RMB 100,000-200,000, which is high even by Chinese standards, he said.
Energy China provides its Ecuadorian employees with additional support, such as free shuttle-bus service from construction sites to Cuenca and four canteens that feature a buffet breakfast with milk, fruit, cheese, bread and pastries. It has built a church for its Christian employees, as well as entertainment and exercise venues that have tennis, volleyball and basketball courts. Employees' quarters are equipped with laundry rooms where everyone can use automatic washing machines for free.
What's worth mentioning, Zhang said, is that Energy China has many local female employees in Ecuador, including many on its management team. "We treat both Chinese and Ecuadorian managers equally, so Ecuadorian employees have remarked that Chinese people value equality and fairness without any prejudice against locals."
Environmental protection has also become a big consideration. "Our construction site here is even better than sites in China," Zhang said. "Flowers and shrubs, which are tended to by local employees, line both sides of our roads. The site is well-organized and clean. Garbage bins are placed everywhere, and waste is segregated.
China Energy not only carries out engineering projects and provides loans to other countries; it also promotes local industrial development and trains local engineers and technicians. The group helps Latin American hydropower firms advance by passing on expertise and providing collaborative opportunities. Some young engineers and college graduates, with the recommendation of their companies, have the opportunity to work for Energy China projects and thus gain valuable experience. In Ecuador, the group subcontracts some of its projects to local firms. And once its projects are done, it leaves their maintenance and operation to the locals.
Latin Americans, including non-government organizations, hail Chinese hydropower enterprises' business practices. They say that Chinese enterprises, with their technological know-how, have helped many Latin American countries gain access to clean energy.
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