China Economic Roundtable | Liu Yonghao: We must innovate and change, but we must also be bold and daring.

Founded in 1982, New Hope Group has, after 43 years of development, become a household name in China's agricultural sector and one of the country's largest comprehensive suppliers of meat, eggs, and milk.

Looking back on the journey of over 40 years of trials and tribulations, Liu Yonghao said with emotion: "Our company's 43 years have been accompanied by reform and opening up, and by the country's increasing emphasis on private enterprises." He stated that by overcoming difficulties and challenges one after another, and navigating multiple cycles, New Hope has now become a globally competitive private agricultural enterprise.

Faced with the tide of new productivity development, what direction should traditional industries take? Liu Yonghao believes that private enterprises in the new era must take new initiatives, moving from expansion to strength, developing new productivity, and equipping themselves with cutting-edge technologies.

Using modern technology to select pig breeds, applying artificial intelligence to cold chain distribution, researching alternatives to feed protein, and reducing reliance on imports to ensure food security... Liu Yonghao, citing New Hope Group as an example, said that agriculture, a foundational industry, can still be enhanced with new productivity, and "I believe there is much to be done with this new productivity."

Currently, the external environment is becoming increasingly complex and severe, and some private enterprises are facing difficulties and challenges, both old and new. How should they respond?

Liu Yonghao emphasized the importance of confidence and down-to-earth dedication when encountering difficulties. "Because difficulties are always there, the more anxious you become, the more you lay low, the fewer opportunities you have."

He believes that in the face of challenges, private entrepreneurs must first adjust their mindset, seek solutions, and come up with new strategies. While actively expanding the market, product innovation should be closely aligned with the market, and there is also great potential for improving management efficiency.

Speaking of the future development of private enterprises, Liu Yonghao expressed optimism about today's young people. "Today, many private enterprises in the field of technological innovation are founded by young people." He believes that young people are daring, hardworking, and adventurous, and they are more accessible to new technologies and more rapidly transform them. We should give more young people the opportunity to take on management positions and better pass on the entrepreneurial spirit.

Private enterprises and private entrepreneurs cultivate a strong sense of patriotism. Liu Yonghao said that Chinese private entrepreneurs possess a remarkable vision and spirit: they are not afraid of challenges, are willing to work hard, take on responsibilities, and are willing to learn.

"Integrating our development with the needs of the country, society, and the people, and serving over 1.4 billion people, we will create the largest market, the greatest growth, and the greatest vitality. Facts have proven that under the guidance of the policies of the Party and the government, as long as we work diligently and down-to-earth, we are very confident that we will continue to do what we should do well," Liu Yonghao said.