Li Zhongyue, a 48-year-old entrepreneur whose company sells corn nationwide and abroad, inspects newly harvested corns at Xinfadi Market. (People’s Daily Online/Kou Jie)

Hailed by his business partners as China’s “corn tycoon,” Li Zhongyue has been doing business at Xinfadi Market for over 26 years. His company, which focuses on the cultivation and trade of Chinese fruit corns, reaches an annual income of 200 million yuan. The special corn, which is developed by Chinese scientists and is known for its soft texture and sweet flavor, is quite popular in China.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in June, Li’s company suffered heavy losses. According to Li, during the two months when Xinfadi Market was closed, he and his business partners became volunteers, helping truck drivers and vegetable vendors to find new business opportunities.

“What impresses me the most was how selfless our Chinese people are. Though the pandemic hit us hard, no one I’d met in the market complained. Instead, all vendors followed the instruction of the government and tackled the pandemic with all efforts, ensuring Beijing’s food supply,” he said.

“Xinfadi’s swift recovery is an achievement attributed to the people’s selflessness, the government’s effective organization and the market’s support,” he added.

According to Li, his business is now fully recovered, bringing in an even higher income in January than that in 2020. 

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