Traditional values of family and loyalty are vital for not just many Chinese families, but also overseas Chinese businesses seeking to win the hearts of the people in Peru, the host of this year’s Apec summit.

The nation, which is welcoming global leaders to its capital Lima this week, does most of its trade with China.

It is home to around 170 Chinese enterprises, many of which heeded the call by the central government to look for investment opportunities abroad.

But the Chinese presence in Peru dates back to the 19th century. Chinese food is extremely popular in the country, with thousands of Chifas, or restaurants which serve mostly Cantonese dishes.

The term Chifa is believed to have come from the Chinese words “eat rice”, meaning to have a meal.

Apart from the catering industry, Chinese immigrants also thrive in other sectors, especially manufacturing.

That includes Alfredo Chang, who oversees the Calimod group, one of the most recognised footwear brands in Peru.

Employing over 600 locals, Chang runs a vast business and knows the production chain inside and out.

The secret to success, he says, is to treat employees like family and gain their loyalty, both of which are traditional Chinese values.

“Our company culture is that if we treat the workers well, the workers will treat the company well too,” he told RTHK.

Chang recalled the difficult times during Covid, when he refused to send workers on no-pay leave even after the government granted employers the right to do so.

He had to take out bank loans to tide over the crisis. The bold move has won the hearts of workers.

“As a result, many employees would turn down offers from other companies, and say, ‘I’m not leaving. This place is like family to me.’ Our company culture is that we are all a family.”

His son, Thomas, has plans to expand the business to nearby regions such as Ecuador, Colombia and Chile.

He also hopes the Chankay megaport, which is majority owned by Chinese shipping giant Cosco, can bring down the cost of raw materials imported from China.

“I think the biggest opportunity for Peru is to really become a hub for South America. Right now with the Chankay port, the lead time from Shanghai to Peru is around 20 days. It's almost half of what is right now, and Chankay is going to be the biggest port on the [South American] Pacific,” he explained.

“The freight will be much cheaper, so that will help us probably be more competitive.”

He added South American neighbours such as Brazil should utilise the port and fast-track their shipments to China.