Press the right button

Wenzhou's businesswomen are representative of modern women in China, fully capable of competing with, and even outperforming, their male counterparts. [Photo by He Zhuoyan]

Today, Wenzhou, the city where it all started for Zhang, has become one of the most famous commercial hubs in China, whose success in business is arguably unmatched by any of its counterparts. Many young people, especially women, have embarked on a journey to wealth by starting their own business, expanding their business reach worldwide.

"For the past four decades, China has continued to open to the world, giving people like us more opportunities to explore new possibilities. There might be problems and difficulties, but I think young people nowadays are well-equipped with knowledge, and as long as they are courageous and hardworking, I see no reason why they cannot be more successful than I am," said Zhang.

According to Zhang, courage and hard work are the core values of the Wenzhou business spirit, but now, with the development of technology, creativity, innovation and knowledge have become the new characteristics of modern Wenzhou businessmen.

"Prepare for the best, seize the moment, and at the right time, press the right button," concluded Zhang.

Zhang also noted that Wenzhou's businesswomen are representative of modern women in China, fully capable of competing with, and even outperforming, their male counterparts.

According to local statistics, in 2008, only 8,638 women registered companies in Wenzhou, while the number soared to 59,014 in 2019, accounting for 33.79 percent of total new business owners that year. Currently, there are over 326,000 female business owners in Wenzhou, who have stimulated growth in the so-called "She-economy", and leading to many business streets and shopping malls with the "Woman power" theme springing up around the city. Female business leaders have also formed their own business unions, helping young women realize their business dreams and pursue their desired careers.

"It's not your gender but your talent that makes you a successful business leader. Women in modern times are equipped with knowledge and a hardworking spirit, and our success and achievements have proven that women are just as good as men, and we can also become prominent business leaders," she said.