Reform and opportunity are key ingredients to thrive

After decades of running her own business, Zhang Huamei, 58, from the Lucheng district in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, plans to retire next year.

For the general manager of Wenzhou Huamei Garment Accessories Co Ltd, the years ahead will allow her to travel at leisure and enjoy life.

Zhang, who obtained the country's first permit to open a small private business in 1980, runs the company focusing on garment accessories with revenue of several million yuan per year.