But its brand had also been stolen in Singapore and there was trouble brewing in the Philippines, where the company did not yet have a presence, he said.
The issue was yet to be rectified in those countries.
Braid told the summit that it took "commitment, courage, time, effort and respect" to break into China.
Mainfreight has been building up its presence in that country for more than a decade since entering in the late 1990s through a joint venture.
The company operates 10 branches across China in cities including Qingdao, Tianjin, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Chengdu.
Braid said maintaining a presence on the ground in China was crucial for brand protection. "You need to be there and take the best advice within the country to protect your brand."
At the summit Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings outlined the risks to the dairy giant's brand in China.
"We have conducted an investigation and we have seen more than 100 instances of [Chinese firms] claiming New Zealand-ness or using our [Fonterra's] colours," Spierings said. But he said the Chinese regulatory environment was quickly catching up with the West's.
Christchurch-based food manufacturer Cookie Time has also been fighting a Chinese firm's attempt to use its brand.
Earlier this year the company said it had opposed Qingdao Chengze Trade Co's application to use the Cookie Time logo in China, but it may be two years before its case is heard.
Special report
The Business Herald this week examines the investment relationship with China.
Tomorrow: Chinese investors and real estate.