Zhejiang's development opens global doors for Ningbo farmer

[Video/ZICC]

In his new book China's Development in the New Era – the Zhejiang Experience, David W. Ferguson tells the story of Ningbo farmer Jin Lishen, who transformed from a humble fisherman into a thriving agricultural mogul, thanks to both his relentless drive and Zhejiang's booming infrastructure.

Born in 1971 in Andong town in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, Jin came from a farming family and worked as a fisherman in Hangzhou Bay after finishing middle school. At the time, local farmers struggled to sell crops like cotton, soybeans, and peppers. To expand his reach, Jin began hitching rides to different cities, selling his produce wherever he could — whether in nearby Hangzhou, Ningbo, or even Shanghai.

As his reputation as a go-between grew, logistical challenges continued to stand in his way. But in 2008, the opening of the Hangzhou Bay Cross-Sea Bridge changed everything. The bridge drastically reduced travel time from Andong to Shanghai from 10 hours to just 2 hours, opening up larger markets for Jin's farm. As a result, his produce reached customers in Japan, Germany, the United States, Australia, and Canada, marking the start of an international venture.

Ferguson spent his years discovering China's growth and met Jin while researching his book. His writing explores the rapid economic transformation of Zhejiang, with Jin's story exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit of local farmers and the region's broader development. By highlighting this tale, Ferguson not only shows the region's impressive infrastructure developments but also how Zhejiang's advancements have opened doors for individuals like Jin to thrive on a global scale.