Tesla benefits from staffing, talent localization strategy in China: vice president

Tesla's strong localization strategy in China has not only boosted operational efficiency but also contributed to global growth, while recent stimulus measures are expected to further enhance market confidence, said Tao Lin, vice head of Tesla.

In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) during a matchmaking meeting in Chongqing, Tao Lin, vice president of the United States (U.S.)-based automaker, discussed the company's localization efforts and highlighted the positive effects of China's economic stimulus policies on foreign businesses operating in the country.

The vice president attended a matchmaking meeting held during a roundtable meeting between the country's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and U.S. multinational enterprises in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Monday, where representatives from over 60 multinational companies from Europe, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea participated in discussions on cooperation and investment opportunities.

She noted Tesla's high level of localization in China, which has led to increased efficiency and effective cost management.

"Over 95 percent of our supply chain is in China, and 99.9 percent of our employees are localized. We find that local teams are highly efficient, and local suppliers respond quickly and efficiently. At the same time, our local team also does an excellent job in cost management and control. That's why I think Tesla has done a great job when it comes to localization, which also contributes to global development," said Tao.

China's central bank, together with the country's top securities regulator and financial regulator, announced in September a raft of stimulus measures, including a 0.5 percentage points reduction in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) and a one-trillion-yuan (about 140.42 billion U.S. dollars) liquidity injection into the financial market, to promote high-quality economic growth.

When asked about the impact of these policies on American companies in China, Tao emphasized that the stimulus measures have boosted consumer confidence, driving consumption and injecting momentum into companies' future development.

"I think the direct impact on enterprises will be related to market confidence. That said, we need to see consumer confidence rebound, which will ultimately affect consumption trends. Because for any company, the most important thing is that your products are being purchased. Those products need to have a market and need to be accepted by the public. So, confidence is very important. You must have confidence in the market before you can do the back-end research, development and production," she said.

Tesla benefits from staffing, talent localization strategy in China: vice president

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests