In recent years, CCECC has become competitive in the construction business inTanzania. Wang said a 22-story building project has now changed theDar es Salaamskyline, bringing a modern edge to the city. Undertaken by CCECC and completed in October 2013, the building is now the landmark of Tanzania's capital, a complex that integrates a shopping mall, business and conference center, recreation facilities and parking lots.

"It is a project that had great construction difficulties. On the one hand it is located in the downtown business center and neighbors an old building whose blueprint was lost. On the other hand, the soil off the seashore was not solid enough and posed a threat to the foundation," Wang said, adding that the construction's careful preparation meant it was executed with a high standard of workmanship.

Localization

Through years of experience in Africa, Wang realized the importance of localization to the growth of an overseas company. "Just depending on getting workers and technology from home [China] would not help an enterprise keep pace with the growth of overseas markets. We need more local support," Wang said.

He said CCECC has over 2,000 local employees in its Tanzanian operations, about 90 percent of its total employees there. "Among local employees, there are engineers, technicians and managerial personnel in charge of procurement, administration and project bidding," Wang said, noting that locals take pride in working for CCECC as salaries are good and jobs there bring social status.

Cultural differences jeopardize the localization to some extent, and can sometimes also lead to a delay in construction. "Locals are used to having a tea break. No matter how urgent the work is, they would stop at tea time," Wang said. "We respect local customs and readjust the working hours so that their tea break is guaranteed."

Working hours are also regulated. "Beyond the eight-hour working day, they [staff] would choose to have a rest rather than earn overtime. When we are on a tight schedule, it becomes a big headache," Wang said.

He believes adapting and earning the respect of staff are the best ways to overcome difficulties brought about by cultural differences. Therefore, CCECC takes the initiative to improve surrounding roads and schools whenever it executes a project. "We should show them [Tanzanians] our arrival brings a concrete improvement to their lives. In this way, we can establish a win-win and harmonious relationship with them," Wang said, adding that building a harmonious relationship will also facilitate the company's sustainable operation. 

Mutual progress

In Wang's eyes, employing locals is just the beginning of an enterprise fulfilling its corporate responsibility. Helping local staff to establish promising careers by equipping them with professional skills is a more effective approach to localization.