8 November, Valencia, Spain: The global economy has been in turmoil for much longer than most of the international community had hoped and anticipated. However, China has not been affected to the same degree as other major economies and has shown signs that it may recover more quickly. China's staying power and resilience, even in these difficult times, owes a lot to the tremendous entrepreneurial spirit of the business leaders driving its economic growth and development.

A jury, led by Horasis and Baker & McKenzie therefore took the opportunity at the 7th Horasis Global China Business Meeting to recognize and honor three business leaders who exemplify this entrepreneurial spirit: Liang Xinjun, Chief Executive Officer, Fosun Group; Liu Jiren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Neusoft Corporation; Wayne Wang, Chairman & CEO, CDP Group.

When the jury reviewed the business profiles of the award winners, it was particularly impressed by certain features, which seem to be key factors to their success: All three awarded winners have anticipated the internationalization of the Chinese economy. And they play an active role in civil society and possess a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit.

`The award was established to recognize the achievements, excellence and integrity of outstanding Chinese business leaders', said Frank-Jürgen Richter, Chairman, Horasis.

`The Global China Business Meeting is an arena where the global business community can meet cooperate and exchange ideas with the award winners and other world famous business leaders from China,' he continued. `Baker & McKenzie proudly supports Horasis' Global China Business Meeting and gladly awards the Chinese Business Leaders of the Year', said Thomas Gilles, Partner, Baker & McKenzie. `We are pleased to assist in identifying and recognizing some of China 's most admired business leaders.'