Zeng Guang'an, a deputy to the second session of the 13th National People's Congress, stresses the importance of innovation in the Chinese manufacturing industry. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Innovation is key for the Chinese manufacturing industry as it looks to make new breakthroughs, said Zeng Guang'an, a deputy to the second session of the 13th National People's Congress and president of Guangxi Liugong Group Co Ltd.

With the advent of the internet era, industrial internet and internet of things have begun seeping into the manufacturing industry. Enterprises need to keep pace with technological development if they hope to survive. Innovation can help give enterprises more momentum, said Zeng.

The "Made in China 2025" strategy makes innovation a key driver of the manufacturing industry. The market also has increasingly high requirements for engineering and mechanical products, which should be both high-quality and cost-efficient, he added.

Guangxi Liugong Group Co Ltd, a large state-owned enterprise with a history of more than 60 years, is a leader in the engineering and mechanical industries. It has always adhered to the philosophy of innovation-driven development and taken the lead in technological and product development, giving it an edge in the international market.