Caixin Summit: Lenovo Executive Touts Supply-Chain Collaboration as Key to Global Push
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Collaborative overseas expansion that incorporates entire supply chains has become the most vital strategy for Chinese firms seeking to enhance global competitiveness, a senior Lenovo Group Ltd. executive said Thursday.
Speaking at the 16th Caixin Summit in Beijing, Lenovo vice president Wang Huiwen said Chinese companies have come a long way since the early 2000s, when they were likened to “small sampans” lacking capital, talent and capability. Today, they are orchestrating coordinated, fleet-like global expansions. Acting as a “chain master,” Lenovo has helped nearly 250 domestic suppliers and partners venture abroad, he said.
This shift reflects a more mature phase of Chinese corporate globalization, moving beyond simple product exports to building integrated international ecosystems. Wang said many firms are replicating proven business models to develop what he called a “China+N” supply chain framework that bolsters mutual growth across borders.
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- Chinese firms, led by Lenovo, now pursue overseas expansion via entire supply chain integration, shifting beyond simple exports.
- Lenovo operates in 180+ countries, with 80% of revenue overseas but most production, R&D, and workforce in China.
- Lenovo supports suppliers abroad using platforms like “Liansheng Zhida,” and emphasizes cultural fusion for sustainable global success.
- Lenovo Group Ltd.
- According to Lenovo Group Ltd. vice president Wang Huiwen, the company employs a "chain master" strategy, helping nearly 250 domestic suppliers expand globally. Lenovo, the world's top PC maker since 2013, operates in over 180 countries. While 80% of its revenue is generated overseas, 80% of production, 70% of R&D, and 60% of its workforce remain in China.
- Shenzhen Bromake New Material Co. Ltd.
- Shenzhen Bromake New Material Co. Ltd. (深圳市博罗克新材料有限公司) is a Chinese supplier that, with Lenovo's support, established a factory in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2016. Lenovo not only provided business but also assisted in building out its local supply chain systems. This collaboration exemplifies the "China+N" supply chain framework, promoting mutual growth across borders.
- 2004：
- Lenovo acquired IBM’s PC business.
- 2013：
- Lenovo became the world’s top PC maker by market share.
- 2016：
- With Lenovo's support, Shenzhen Bromake New Material Co. Ltd. established a factory in Monterrey, Mexico.
- 2025：
- Lenovo’s digital transformation and 'lighthouse factory' model were first rolled out in China before being implemented in Brazil, Mexico, and Hungary.
- 2025：
- Lenovo launched the intelligent services platform 'Liansheng Zhida.'
- As of 2025：
- 80% of Lenovo’s revenue is generated overseas, but 80% of production, 70% of R&D activity, and 60% of its workforce remain in China.
- November 13, 2025：
- Lenovo vice president Wang Huiwen spoke at the 16th Caixin Summit in Beijing, discussing Chinese firms' overseas expansion strategies.
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