Four may seem a small number when set against a total of 997. However, it marks a new era with a new understanding of the value of labor. Private entrepreneurs are now being honored for their contribution to the development of production within a socialist society. They have done so through honest work and in lawful business operations. They too, have helped to build socialism with Chinese characteristics.

“It is a breakthrough because private entrepreneurs are now recognised as workers and builders too. They contribute greatly to the construction of our nation and they deserve the title,” said Li Qisheng, vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions.

The four private entrepreneurs are Zhu Xinli, chairman of the board of directors of Beijing-based Huiyuan Drinks & Food Co. Ltd; Zhang Jinshan, chairman of the board of directors of Ningxia-based Xiangshan Wines Company Group; Wang Zhengtao, chairman of the board of directors of Zhejiang-based Aokang Co. Ltd Group and Cheng Lizuan, chairman of the board of directors of Zhejiang-based Tianhuang Pharmaceutical Plant. The first two were already Chinese Communist Party members before they ‘jumped into the sea’ (a term used in China to describe people who transfer from the public sector to the private sector).

“No additional harsh conditions are set for private entrepreneurs in the selection process for the award of May 1st Labor Medals,” said Li. “There is equality in selection between private entrepreneurs and state entrepreneurs. All must however meet the two basic requirements of trade union membership and not acting against workers’ interests.”

However, things were quite different in the past. The issue of eligibility of private entrepreneurs was still disputed up to last year. Several years earlier, exclusion was generally accepted.

Yuan, head of the model worker section in the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, gave a brief introduction on this year’s selection. “The procedures remain the same as before. To enter, candidates must be recommended by local governments and trade unions. They then go through various stages of scrutiny by relevant departments such as administration of industry and commerce, tax administration, discipline inspection administration, auditing administration, security administration etc.”

“What’s more, some even have to be confirmed by provincial governments, so selection is not simply undertaken by trade unions acting alone. It is a robust procedure”.

“Those four private business owners were recommended to us only after going through comprehensive selection and examination at all levels in the process. We only completed the last stage in the procedure which approved them,” said Yuan.

It has been a long and gradual process for government to move towards a position of allowing private business owners to be eligible for selection. Different views can still be heard today. Wang Zhengtao was selected as a model worker of Wenzhou City and Yongjia County in 1995 and 1996. However, progression faltered due to lack of precedent.

(china.org.cn by Zheng Guihong, June 27, 2002)