Source: CCTV.com

09-12-2007 09:42

As Chinese commodities expand into the world market, manufacturers are finding it necessary to adapt quickly.

In the southeastern city of Yiwu, thousands of businesses are producing small items like chopsticks, socks, and zippers. Founders of these businesses are often called "ant merchants".

Starting modestly, many of them have achieved great success. Some of them have even become world leaders in their own lines of production.

Soton is the world's biggest producer of drinking straws, supplying 20 percent of the world's demand. But its board chairman Lou Zhongping still checks the products himself every day. Lou says tiny goods like this require meticulous attention.

Lou Zhongping, Board Chairman of Soton Consumer Goods says "I'm always focussed on what I do. Once I start a business, I can tough it out despite any difficulties."