Liu Hanyuan: From Government Bureaucrat to New Energy Tycoon

Liu Hanyuan is a name that stands at the intersection of two rapidly growing global industries: aquafeed and new energy. As the chairman of Tongwei Group, one of China’s most influential conglomerates, Liu has built a business empire that not only produces one of the world’s largest supplies of aquafeed but is also a major player in the solar energy sector. His journey from a government job in Sichuan province to becoming a business tycoon is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking approach to business.

Liu was born in China and spent his early years working for the government, specifically within the hydropower bureau in Sichuan province. His role in the bureau was part of the Chinese government’s broader efforts to harness the country’s vast natural resources, and Liu gained valuable experience during this period, which would later inform his business ventures. However, Liu’s aspirations went beyond a government career. His true ambition was to create a business that could not only succeed in China but also become an international leader in multiple industries.

In the early 1990s, Liu took a bold step by leaving his stable government job and plunging into the world of entrepreneurship. He founded Tongwei Group with a focus on the aquafeed business, a niche market that involves producing high-quality food for farmed fish. The aquaculture industry was beginning to take off at the time, driven by the growing global demand for fish and seafood products. Liu saw an opportunity to provide the necessary nutritional products for fish farming, which would become an essential part of the food supply chain. His decision to invest in this emerging market would prove to be a masterstroke, as Tongwei Group quickly became one of the largest and most successful companies in the global aquafeed industry.

The company’s rapid growth was fueled by Liu’s dedication to innovation and quality. Tongwei Group’s aquafeed products were not only high-quality but also produced using sustainable methods. This focus on sustainability would become a hallmark of Liu’s business philosophy. He understood that the future of business would be shaped by the need for environmental responsibility, and he made sure that Tongwei Group adhered to these principles. This commitment to sustainability was instrumental in building the company’s reputation and securing long-term contracts with customers around the world.

In addition to the aquafeed business, Liu’s vision extended beyond traditional industries, and in the 2000s, he shifted his attention to new energy. Recognizing the growing global shift towards renewable energy and the increasing demand for cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, Liu decided to diversify Tongwei Group’s operations. He invested heavily in the solar energy sector, and in a short time, the company became one of China’s leading manufacturers of solar products. Liu’s decision to enter the renewable energy market was not just a response to market demand but also a reflection of his belief in the long-term viability of clean energy sources.

Under Liu’s leadership, Tongwei Group expanded rapidly within the solar energy sector, becoming one of the largest producers of photovoltaic products in the world. The company specialized in solar cells and modules, which are critical components of solar energy systems. By the 2010s, Tongwei Group had established itself as a global leader in the production of high-efficiency solar panels, with operations spanning across multiple countries and regions. Liu’s foresight in entering the solar energy market at an early stage allowed Tongwei Group to gain a significant competitive advantage in the renewable energy space.

Liu’s business acumen and strategic investments in both aquafeed and renewable energy enabled him to build a diversified empire that could weather fluctuations in individual markets. His decision to focus on two industries—both of which were poised for long-term growth—has allowed Tongwei Group to become a resilient conglomerate with global influence. This diversification also helped the company navigate the challenges of China’s changing economic landscape, as it was not reliant on a single industry or product line.

One of the key factors behind Liu’s success is his ability to adapt to new trends and technologies. As the solar industry evolved and new innovations emerged, Liu made sure that Tongwei Group remained at the cutting edge of solar technology. He invested heavily in research and development, ensuring that the company was always ahead of the curve in terms of product quality and efficiency. This commitment to R&D not only helped Tongwei Group maintain its competitive advantage but also positioned the company as a leader in the development of next-generation solar technologies.

In 2023, Liu passed the baton of leadership to his daughter, Shuqi, who became chairman and CEO of Tongwei Group’s publicly listed arm, Tongwei Co. This leadership transition marked a new chapter in the company’s history, as Liu’s daughter took on the responsibility of leading the business into the future. Shuqi’s appointment as the head of Tongwei Co. is a significant moment, as it represents the continuation of the Safra family’s legacy and the transfer of power to the next generation. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Shuqi’s appointment is also a noteworthy milestone for gender equality in China’s corporate world. Under her leadership, Tongwei Co. is expected to continue its expansion in both the aquafeed and solar energy markets while also exploring new growth opportunities in other sectors.

Liu Hanyuan’s success story is not just one of personal achievement, but also a reflection of the broader changes occurring in China’s economy over the past few decades. His ability to identify emerging industries, invest in new technologies, and build a diversified business empire has made him one of China’s most successful entrepreneurs. His leadership of Tongwei Group has not only helped the company achieve massive growth but also contributed to China’s rise as a global leader in both aquaculture and renewable energy.

As Liu Hanyuan’s legacy continues through his daughter Shuqi and the next generation of Safra family leaders, Tongwei Group is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of two rapidly growing industries. The company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality will ensure its continued success in both the aquafeed and solar energy markets. Liu’s journey from a government job to the head of a global business empire is a powerful reminder of the importance of entrepreneurship, vision, and perseverance in shaping the future.