Premier Li urges harnessing China's manufacturing prowess

Premier Li meets with over 20 Chinese and Brazilian entrepreneurs on a China-made ferry in Rio de Janeiro on May 20. [Photo/english.gov.cn]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Visiting Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday asked Chinese enterprises to sharpen edges of equipment manufacturing and bring the world more quality products which constantly meet market demand.

Li made the remarks as he took a ride on a subway train and a ferry boat in Rio De Janeiro, a metropolis with a population of 6.5 million which is going to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

The subway company in the Brazilian megacity has ordered 604 subway and commuter trains from Chinese manufacturers. Some 90 trains which the Chinese manufacturers will deliver soon may be used for subway lines for the Olympics.

The newly designed subway trains, with sleek look, comfort in running and energy efficiency, are specially equipped with powerful air-conditioning systems for the use in Rio De Janeiro, often with high temperatures.

Premier Li Keqiang boards the Sugar Loaf Mountain ferry in Rio de Janeiro on May 20, 2015. The ferry was made in China and is named after one of Rio's biggest tourist attractions and has a capacity of 2,000 passengers. [Photo/english.gov.cn]

The ferry boat, also tailored for the upcoming Olympic host, has been widely praised by local people after its maiden voyage lately. Another six similar boats, with a capacity of carrying 2,000 passengers each, will be delivered no later than next year.

Li asked the Chinese contractors to fulfill the work of building those trains and boats, ensure timely delivery, and continue to develop new models to meet the local demand.