At the Changsha municipal business briefing on July 29, six political advisors delivered compelling narratives that underscored the city's economic resilience and potential. Their speeches, grounded in practical achievements, aimed to reinforce confidence in investing in and building a future in Changsha.

"All valleys are a time to gather strength, and all difficulties are opportunities. The people of Hunan have never feared storms or challenges, and Changsha, a city known for its daring spirit, grows through trials and breakthroughs," stated Zeng Yanrong, a member of the Changsha Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), setting a determined tone for the event.

One by one, the six advisors, all deeply rooted in Changsha, shared stories of overcoming adversity. Without grand declarations, they demonstrated a tenacious, down-to-earth work ethic and a proactive drive, weaving a narrative of unwavering confidence and relentless effort on the fertile ground of Changsha.

Liu Kunxiang, Chairperson of Hunan Shenyi Holdings Group Co., Ltd.: She illustrated Changsha's manufacturing strength through her company's journey. Shenyi Precision has grown from a small R&D firm into a national-level "Little Giant" specializing in new technologies, ranking among the global top 100 engineering machinery parts suppliers. For over 30 years, her team has achieved multiple product localization and participated in formulating over 100 national and industry standards. Shenyi's "small screws" secure "national heavy equipment"—from bolts for satellite recovery frameworks to critical components for the "artificial sun" nuclear fusion device. Liu is leading efforts to establish the Xiangjiang Quality Certification Alliance, providing "one certification, multi-party recognition" services to help local products go global. She is also spearheading the creation of a central parts data center to standardize industry data, paving the way for AI-driven industrial upgrades. "Changsha's deep industrial base in the engineering machinery cluster and the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in an optimized business environment give me firm confidence," Liu stated.

Liu Shiyan, Hunan Regional Manager of Walmart China: With over two decades in Changsha, Liu noted the city's continuously improving business environment. Walmart's retail sales and tax contributions in Changsha have seen double-digit growth for three consecutive years (2023-2025). Following a recent visit from a Walmart China vice president, the company's senior management affirmed a long-term commitment to invest further in Changsha. The CPPCC facilitated the "Xiang Products into Sam's Club" initiative, bridging the gap between local high-quality products and Sam's Club's stringent selection. Products like Yanjin Shop eggs and Ningxiang pork have seen sales boom. Last June, Walmart established its first e-commerce global procurement office in Central China in Changsha, listing local brands like Maimai Technology, Three Semicircles Coffee, and Sexy Tea. "We are witnesses to Changsha's high-quality development," Liu said, pledging continued investment and support for local brands.

Li Yingwu, President of Hunan Zhantong AI Research Institute: Li focused on using AI for safety. His team's proprietary Xuanlan AI large model has been recognized as a provincial-level model and a national AI application example. In Ningxiang Economic Development Zone, it monitors over 3,000 cameras across 300+ companies 24/7, having issued over 5,000 safety warnings and reducing workplace injuries by nearly one-third. The model now serves over 5,000 enterprises across 30+ industrial parks nationwide, achieving a 95% hazard identification rate and reducing safety incidents by 32%. "Under market pressure, the rise of our local AI firm validates AI's potential in traditional industries and Changsha's industrial ecosystem resilience," Li said. He plans to invest 50 million yuan over three years to upgrade the model, aiming to drive an industry chain value exceeding 1 billion yuan.

Wu Na, Deputy Director of Aier Eye Hospital Changsha Medical Center: Wu expressed confidence in Changsha's development based on its scientific industrial layout, excellent business environment, and people-centered development philosophy. Leveraging Aier's platform, she is advancing the "Oriental Eye Valley" in Meixi Lake, optimizing the eye health industry ecosystem, and promoting the translation of research into clinical applications. The provincial-level clinical research center she led has undertaken over 60 scientific projects and commercialized 21 national patents. Beyond industry, Aier has provided free sight-restoring surgeries for over 80,000 disadvantaged people over 20 years. "The city's economic confidence comes from a solid industrial foundation rooted in a warm, people-centered foundation," Wu said, emphasizing that protecting vision is protecting the city's development momentum.

Zhen Yu, Deputy General Manager of Hunan Intellectual Property Exchange Center: Zhen highlighted the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in driving innovation. His CPPCC committee, China's only one specializing in IP, facilitated the issuance of a security-based product in Xiangjiang New Area, helping 12 firms raise 135 million yuan using 97 patents. This case was included in the National Development and Reform Commission's 2023 City Business Environment Innovation Report. Over five years, he has matched 180 high-quality patents with key industry chains, mentored a university startup that partnered with Sany Group, and established a new materials concept validation center with Changsha University of Science and Technology. His "comprehensive analysis method" for patent value assessment, which won national recognition, has been adopted as a provincial standard. "Building an ecosystem for IP commercialization is a foundational, strategic project," Zhen stated.

Zeng Yanrong, Vice Chairperson of Hunan Fengyuan Yexiang Jingke New Energy Co., Ltd.: Zeng shared her story of overseas expansion and return. She linked her company, a lithium battery manufacturer rooted in Changsha for 20 years, with local leaders like Shanshan and Changyuan Lithium to scale production. A breakthrough in inorganic safety coating technology solved a key safety issue, maintaining a zero fire record for over a decade. In 2017, she went to Indonesia to build a factory from scratch, living in basic conditions. Despite the pandemic shutting down the factory, she rejected calls to cut losses, believing in the strategic opportunity. Today, the Indonesian plant's output has doubled. "All valleys are a time to gather strength, and all difficulties are opportunities. Changsha will display stronger industrial resilience and new development opportunities," she concluded.

The six advisors, through their diverse fields—from advanced manufacturing and retail to AI, healthcare, IP, and new energy—painted a unified picture of confidence. Their stories of pragmatic action, counter-trend growth, and deep-rooted commitment to Changsha together form a strong narrative of economic optimism, showcasing the city's and its people's determination to write a new chapter of high-quality development.