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Jimmy LaiOwner of large trading companies and media
Country:
 China |
Content:
Biography of Jimmy Lai
Jimmy Lai, the owner of major trading companies and media outlets, is the founder of the company "Giordano," one of the largest clothing retailers in Asia. With approximately 11,000 employees working in 1,700 stores located in over 30 countries worldwide, Jimmy Lai is considered one of the most prominent Chinese entrepreneurs in China.
Early Life and Career
Jimmy Lai was born in 1948 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, under the name Lai Chi Yang. At the age of 12, he illegally entered Hong Kong aboard a small cargo ship. Even at such a young age, he worked as a laborer in a local factory to earn a living. His monthly salary of 8 dollars had to cover not only his food expenses but also accommodation and clothing. Jimmy Lai experienced poverty from all angles. It was during those years that he firmly decided to make a lot of money to ensure his family never faced any hardships. Thus, the challenging journey of the young businessman began.
For quite some time, Jimmy worked at a factory, where he gained in-depth knowledge of production and the company's economic plans. By the age of 25, he was promoted to a managerial position. As a young entrepreneur, Jimmy Lai started speculating on the stock market with his saved and bonus money. He bought shares of struggling textile factories. In 1975, he acquired a large stake in the company "Comitex" and actively promoted the production of knitwear and sweaters.
Founder of Giordano
Jimmy Lai is the founder of "Giordano," one of the largest clothing retailers in Asia. With about 11,000 employees working in 1,700 company stores located in over 30 countries worldwide, Giordano has established itself as a leading brand in the fashion industry.
Involvement in Media and Politics
Additionally, Jimmy Lai actively participates in the country's political life due to his love for his homeland and democracy. He even decided to establish his own publication called "Next Magazine," which featured both ordinary gossip and sensational political news. Despite the oversaturated Hong Kong market with various newspapers and magazines, "Next Magazine" found its niche and gained a loyal readership. The magazine quickly became one of the most popular publications in the country.
In 1995, leveraging his experience from "Next Magazine," Jimmy Lai founded the newspaper "Apple Daily." Approximately 100 million dollars were invested in this project. By 1997, the newspaper had fully recovered all costs and became the second best-selling publication in China.
