Li Jianjiang, the honorary chairman of the Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce in Japan and chairman of Zhejiang Teling Light Industry Group Co Ltd. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

Editor's note: the sixth World Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Convention was held in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, on Dec 23 to 24.

Over the four decades since China decided to implement the policy of reform and opening up in 1978, over 8 million entrepreneurs from Zhejiang have expanded their businesses across China and the world. This series will share their stories.

Li Jianjiang, a native of Wenzhou in Zhejiang, is currently serving as honorary chairman of the Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce in Japan and chairman of Zhejiang Teling Light Industry Group Co Ltd.

In the late 1980s, Li got involved in foreign trade and became a successful businessman selling lighters. In 1993, he introduced Japanese capital and established a joint venture. He also set up a joint-stock company in Japan, becoming the first Wenzhou local to found a company in Japan.

As his business expanded in Japan, Li decided to start a business in China as well, - which came to be known as Zhejiang Teling Light Industry Group Co Ltd. It specializes in the manufacture and research of lighters, electric toothbrushes and massagers.

Li is a firm believer in charity and has extended help during numerous disasters. During the COVID-19 outbreak, for example, his company donated large amounts of medical supplies to Wenzhou.