Innovation key for young entrepreneurs

Chen Jianhua, chairman of Hengli Group

Hengli has walked this road for 31 years. From 27 people to breaking through foreign bottlenecks step by step. In this environment, we need more entrepreneurs who charge ahead and don't wait for 100 percent certainty. That kind of thinking will make you miss your moment.

Two years ago, we responded to the national call to revitalize idle assets. We acquired a shipyard which had been sitting empty for 10 years. Sure, it was risky, but when the economy's down, entrepreneurs need to step up. Today, we've got orders for over 170 ships, more than 40 still in production. Ship orders are booked until 2029 and our engine orders go into 2027. We make 180 engines a year, half for export, half for our own use.