Pictures of Premier Li Keqiang are still exhibited on an electronic display screen at the CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co in Hunan province, depicting an inspection visit to one of the leading locomotive manufacturers in July, 2014.

Liu Youmei, a railway transportation specialist and an academic at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, recalled half a year later after the visit: “The Premier told us that our high-speed railways represent China.”

“I was moved by his words as they were both a compliment and stimulation,” Liu said.

The Premier said during his visit to the manufacturer: “Every time I visit a foreign country, I introduce your products to its government leaders. I hope to see more of your products on future overseas trips,”

Premier Li Keqiang says that the key to Chinese equipments’ global reputation lies in its quality upon visiting the CSR Corporation Limited on July 4, 2014.

“The Premier asked very professional and detailed questions,” Liu said. “He even noticed the English trademarks on some equipment and asked why. I had to confess that we are using global procurement to make up for our technological shortcomings of some devices.

“Li also asked us to ensure the quality of Chinese high-speed railways and safeguard the reputation of made-in-China equipment.”

Premier Li Keqiang says that the key to Chinese equipments’ global reputation lies in its quality upon visiting the CSR Corporation Limited on July 4, 2014.

Echoing Li’s “production quality is the lifeline of Chinese railways’, Liu said he regards the quality of his products as important.

Known as the “super salesman of China”, Li actively promotes Chinese railway products and technology on his overseas trips.

Benefiting from his efforts, the CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co has business in more than 10 countries worldwide, and had contracts worth more than $3 billion in last year alone.