May 10 is the nation’s first Chinese Brands Day, which aims to publicize brands owned independently by Chinese companies and attach a greater importance to brand building in the country.

That is according to the State Council, which said in a statement on May 9 that it had approved a Chinese Brands Day, to be held annually on May 10 starting this year.

The decision was made in response to a request filed by the National Development and Reform Commission, China’s top economic planner.

The celebration comes at a time when the phrase ‘Made in China’ has come of age. During this year’s two sessions and several other occasions, Premier Li Keqiang has called for more efforts to build home-grown goods into world-renowned brands, encouraging workmanship in an era of quality for China’s economic growth. Among those remarks are these:

We will promote workmanship and foster a culture of workmanship where workers have a strong work ethic and tirelessly seek improvement. We will refine our incentive mechanisms and see great numbers of Chinese workers exemplify workmanship and more Chinese brands enjoy international recognition. We will usher in an era of quality for economic development in China.

— Delivering the 2017 Government Work Report on March 5, 2017

High-powered tractors are necessary for modern agriculture, just as high-powered engines are for the Made in China 2025 strategy.

— During a visit to Zoomlion, a heavy industry company in Kaifeng, Henan province, on May 8, 2017

Craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit are two pillars that have ensured the century-old herbal medicine brand maintains its quality and reputation.

— During a visit to Yunnan Baiyao Group in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Jan 24, 2017

Traditional brands should carry forward the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, while pursuing the spirit of craftsmanship and always striving for the best.

— During a visit to an experience store for Flying Pigeon, a Chinese bicycle brand in Tianjin on June 26, 2016.

Chinese companies need to bridge the gap with the world’s leading brands by constantly innovating and improving products and marketing strategy to meet consumer demands.

— During a visit to Oppo Electronics Corp, a Chinese electronics manufacturer based in Dongguan, Guangdong province, on Oct 13, 2016.

The quality revolution of “Made in China” will depend on the craftsman’s spirit and craft innovation, and the key is consumer-oriented. Companies should upgrade Made in China products through gradually satisfying consumers’ increasing needs.

— During a visit to a Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle heavy truck plant in Shiyan city, Central China’s Hubei province, on May 23, 2016

Chinese equipment should further gain its brand value through entering the global market and promoting Chinese brands on the world platform through adopting the spirit of “mass innovation”.

— During a visit to Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in Zhejiang province, on Nov 20, 2014