Early Life
Liu Yonghao was born in 1952 in Xinjin District, China. He began his career as a teacher at a technical school. In 1982, Liu and his three brothers made a pivotal decision: they quit their government jobs to venture into business, recognizing the opportunities in the burgeoning agricultural sector following China's economic reforms under Deng Xiaoping.
Rise to Success
Initially, they focused on breeding quails and chickens, selling them to farmers in Sichuan province. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish the Hope Group in 1992, marking their entry into the animal feed business. By 2010, the Hope Group had become the largest animal feed group in China. This success was built on Liu's keen ability to combine traditional agricultural practices with modern management and technological innovation.
Key Business Strategies
Liu Yonghao's business strategy has centered on innovation, long-term vision, and social responsibility. He has emphasized the power of technology to modernize the agricultural industry, driving the expansion of New Hope Group. His company has also focused on creating agricultural cooperatives to help farmers expand their family plots into larger, industrialized farms. This approach has been critical to his success and impact on China's agricultural sector.
Philanthropy
Liu Yonghao is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and poverty alleviation in rural China. In 1994, Liu joined nine private entrepreneurs in launching the 'Guangcai Project.' He has donated significantly to these causes. In 2021, the New Hope Group donated $15.50 million to Shanghai Tongji University Education Development Foundation to support brain medicine development. In addition, his Yonghao Foundation has implemented projects such as the "Five-Five Project" to support China's Rural Revitalization Strategy.
