(Bloomberg) When Zhang Congyuan started his sneaker business more than three decades ago, he couldn’t afford a regular factory, so he converted a pig farm next to paddy fields in western Taiwan.
2021/05/07 14:38 Taiwan s economy did surprisingly well in 2020, and so did its wealthiest citizens, says Forbes Taiwan s economy did surprisingly well in 2020, and so did its wealthiest citizens, says Forbes (CNA photo) TAIPEI (Taiwan News) According to the latest list published by Forbes Magazine, a little-known shoemaker, Zhang Congyuan (張聰淵), is Taiwan’s wealthiest individual with a fortune estimated at US$13.8 billion (NT$385 billion). Zhang, 73, and his family run the Huali Industrial Group, which makes shoes for global brands such as Nike, Puma, Vans and UGG. His rise to the top of the list was linked to the company’s listing on the stock exchange in Shenzhen, China, Forbes reported.
Shoe business owner ranks as Taiwan s richest person: Forbes
05/07/2021 10:13 PM
Zhang s shoe factory in Yulin County. Photo courtesy of a member of the public
Taipei, May 7 (CNA) Zhang Congyuan (張聰淵), founder of contract shoe maker Huali Industrial, took the title as the richest person in Taiwan, with a net worth at US$13.8 billion, according to Taiwan s Richest 2021 list released by Forbes.
It was the first time for the low-key, self-made tycoon, to top the Forbes top 50 billionaires list in Taiwan.
Huali Industrial owns production facilities in China, Vietnam and Dominica, and its international customers include Nike, Puma, UGG and Vans, the magazine said.
The benchmark Taiex index rose 45% since fortunes were last measured 15 months ago, lifting the collective net worth of Taiwan’s 50 richest by a third to US$149 billion. Overall, 36 listees added to their wealth. The complete 2021 Forbes Taiwan Rich List can be found here.
Taiwanâs 50 Richest 2021: Buoyed By An Export Boom, Fortunes Soar Amid The Pandemic
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Some of the biggest gainers on the Taiwan s rich list this year are linked to the production of semiconductors, amid a rise in demand for smartphone chips around the world.
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While the pandemic disrupted lives and economies around the world, Taiwan remained largely unscathed. Swift prevention measures to tackle the coronavirus resulted in just over 1,100 cases and 12 deaths, amid a population of 24 million. Taiwan had one of Asiaâs top-performing economies, growing 3% in 2020, thanks to booming tech exports and increased domestic demand. The benchmark Taiex index rose 45% since fortunes were last measured 15 months ago, lifting the collective net worth of Taiwanâs richest by a third to $149 billion.