China's Political Season: Reform and opening up brings more opportunities to China

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2018 marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up policy. Since then, China has embraced more opportunities, innovation, talents and growth. As the country moves into a new era, CGTN's Sean Callebs talks to legislative deputies walking into the Great Hall of the People for their opinions.

The height of the political season in China. The nation's NPC Deputies head into the Great Hall of the People to chart the course for China's future.

ZHANG LEI CEO, ENVISION ENERGY "I think history is being made along the way — every day is a historic day."

A decade ago, first-time NPC Deputy Zhang Lei was busy getting wealthy working in London's financial sector — when he thought, enough.

ZHANG LEI CEO, ENVISION ENERGY "I realised something was wrong, I would like to pursue a more meaningful life."

In 2007, he formed Envision Energy —a wind power company, that has since grown by leaps and bounds.

Zhang believes creating sustainable economic development is one of the most pressing issues facing the world. And his company is helping China stay at the forefront of developing renewable energy.

"China is developing quickly."

Like Zhang, —Ding Lieming, studied abroad —and he brought his talent, and resources back to China. He founded the medical giant, Betta Pharmaceutical, which had its initial public offering, or stock IPO two years ago.

DING LIEMING FOUNDER & CEO, BETTA PHARMACEUTICALS "It's a very good opportunity for all the Chinese who come back from outside China. Also very good, and very important for China."

SEAN CALLEBS BEIJING "Chinese leaders say one of the biggest challenges the nation faces is luring their brightest students back to the country, after they study abroad. While china is still very much a developing nation. Entrepreneurs we spoke with say the best way to attract top students can be summed up in one word, opportunity."

China has more than 328-thousand students studying in the United States alone. If China wants to continue its solid economic growth — and remain on the cutting edge of high-end technology such as Artificial Intelligence -- many within the nation believe Beijing must continue to embrace reform.

ZHANG LEI CEO, ENVISION ENERGY "What we can do better, is to have more market success —kind of deregulation further, and make people feel more opportunities are coming."

And he says, if China becomes fully integrated with the global economy, it will not only benefit investors — It will also be the quickest way to enhance innovation. Sean Callebs, CGTN, Beijing.