The 2021 Zhang Jian Forum is held in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province and Beijing on Dec 6. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The 2021 Zhang Jian Forum, which had the theme of "construction of an entrepreneurial spirit in the new era", was held in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province and Beijing on Dec 6.

Hao Mingjin, vice-chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said that the forum is expected to inspire China's entrepreneurs to devote themselves to "the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation".

Liu Yandong, former vice-premier of the State Council, expressed her hopes in a written address that Chinese entrepreneurs will be innovative, show respect for laws, and expand their international vision to become a driver in the country's high-quality development.

Wu Xinming, deputy Party secretary of Nantong, noted that the forum is helpful to encourage people from all walks of life to follow the path of Zhang Jian and enhance their sense of social responsibility.

Wu expressed hope that scholars and experts will further enrich the theoretical results of the research on Zhang Jian. He also invited more entrepreneurs to invest in Nantong.

Zhang Jian Entrepreneurs College in Nantong was designated as a training base of the China Vocational Education Association at the forum.

Since it began operations earlier this year, Zhang Jian Entrepreneurs College has trained more than 12,000 private entrepreneurs from around China.

Zhang Jian (1853-1926) is a renowned patriot, industrial magnate, educator, and philanthropist from Nantong, who devoted his whole life to developing local industries, education, as well as social welfare.