Chang Dechuan, Chairman & CEO of Qingdao Port Group (QD Port), was named as one of this year's China Economic Personage and Top 10 Economic Leaders in the Transformation of China at the 2010 China Economic Forum Jan 15. QD Port became a shining example for the transformation and upgrade of Chinese enterprises at the beginning of the 12th five-year development period.

Mr Chang was one of the two people recognized as a China Economic Personage at the event hosted by nine media organizations under Xinhua News Agency. The presentation ceremony was held in the Great Hall of the People. Organizers announced they conferred the honor on Chang due to his global vision, application of international standards and use of local advantages.

"Under his leadership, the 118-year-old SOE successfully completed its transformation and upgrading, ranking itself the 7th largest port of the world," they announced.

Chang led QD Port to vigorous growth despite the financial crisis. During the 11th five-year development period, the group reached its own development goals three years ahead of time. In the past five years, the total turnover of the port reached 1.45 billion tons ＆＃8722; an increase of 13.5 percent annually. In the same time frame, 49.45 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers were handled at the port ＆＃8722; making a 14-percent growth since last year. The group's capital rose from 13.9 billion yuan by the end of 2005 to today's 27 billion yuan. And for six consecutive years the port paid the highest taxes in Qingdao city.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Chang said the State-owned group should bear social responsibility and accelerate the transformation and upgrade to grow even stronger in the future.