Chinese suppliers dominate Rio

A traveler waits inside a wagon of the new Metro line number 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Aug. 2. The new Metro Line was opened on Aug. 1, but will only be available to Rio 2016 Olympic Games accredited people and ticket holders. / EPA-Yonhap

By Choi Ha-young

Chinese suppliers are dominating the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Chinese company Nuctech got a big deal to supply 260 pieces of security equipment including X-ray scanners and sensors for explosives. The company won the contract based on its proven experience in various international sports competitions. The Rio Games organizers bought the Chinese security apparatus for the four main competition zones, Barra, Deodoro, Maracana and Copacabana.

“Nuctech won the bid in April,” the company’s website says. “The Brazilian Ministry of Justice signed another procurement contract with Nuctech in July for the X-ray systems which will be used in the Rio Olympics.” The equipment, which will be used during the upcoming Paralympics as well, will be used in correctional facilities in Rio after the Olympics, the company said.

Another security equipment supplier Dahua Technology installed 270 closed circuit cameras in the commercial areas in Rio.

The sports equipment brand 361 Degrees is exclusively supplying uniforms for the volunteers and technicians -- and torchbearers also wore the shirts with the company’s logo.

Peak Sports Products, another Chinese sportswear firm, provided uniforms and shoes for athletes on 11 national teams, and also donated goods for children in Rio’s shantytowns.

The company aims to grow its brand through social contributions. “We can become global citizens and create a globally respected Chinese brand,” its chairman told a Chinese daily.

In 2009, when China started to expand its overseas investment aggressively, it entered the Brazilian public transport market. The subway trains on Rio’s subway line No. 4 are manufactured by a Chinese company and transport 300,000 people per day between the Olympic Park and the Olympic Village.

On the volleyball court, nets, posts and referees’ chairs were made by Jinling Sports. Hebei Zhang Kong Barbell became the first non-Japanese firm to exclusively supply weights for the Olympics. Gree’s air conditioners are cooling down Rio’s iconic Maracana Stadium, where the opening ceremony was held.

Chinese athletes’ unique mosquito nets are a big hit in the Rio Olympics Village. The nets, labeled with Rio Olympic Games logo, are available at $27 to $35.