My name is Tan Peitao. I was born in 1980 into an ordinary rural family in Yantai, Shandong. My parents had to navigate the challenges posed by China's one-child policy, and my birth incurred a fine of 960 yuan. To pay for it, my father started growing vegetables in our backyard, which marked the beginning of my story of selling vegetables with my mother at the age of four.
This experience instilled in me a love for business. When I went to university in Shenyang, I noticed fruit vendors purchasing produce from my hometown, so I decided to transport fruit to Shenyang as well. I sold it through a campus fruit shop and via connections like the head nurse at the affiliated hospital of the medical school. At my fruit shop, I pioneered an order-based sales model where boarding students would submit their daily fruit requests via notes dropped into a special mailbox. The next day, I would deliver their orders to their dorms. Through collaboration with others in sales, I also learned how to cooperate effectively.
At that time, university policies prohibited students from engaging in business. After a year or two, my activities were shut down by the school. Inspired by some of my teachers and friends, I decided to study English diligently and prepare for the IELTS exam. I successfully obtained a visa and arrived in London in August 2002 with just £600.
In London, I juggled work and studies while looking for new business opportunities. The only viable idea I had was to sell fruit from my hometown in the UK. At that time, Fuji apples were the only product I could access. I contacted many fruit wholesalers and even trialed sales with a fruit agent for one of the UK's largest supermarket chains. Unfortunately, after a few months of poor market feedback, the supermarket stopped carrying the apples, and I discontinued the business.
Around 2003, a friend imported a large quantity of glow sticks to the UK but had no idea how to sell them. At that time, the e-commerce platform eBay had just entered the UK market. I started helping my friend sell glow sticks and other Chinese-made products online. Over the next few years, the business thrived until my friend decided to return to China, leaving me without a source of products. I then partnered with others to install wireless routers in London’s bars, cafes, and other public venues, enabling patrons to access the internet wirelessly. Back in 2005, this was quite a novel concept.
Towards the end of 2005, a life-changing event occurred. Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the UK, and a friend who was involved in organizing one of the dinners informed me about it and helped me register. It was the first major event I ever attended. Watching all eyes focus on President Hu, I realized that everyone represents resources of varying magnitude. Spending a minute with someone who represents significant resources can be far more efficient. This realization led me to accompany the then-Lord Mayor of London on two visits to China in 2006, marking my entry into platforms for China-UK exchanges. In 2008, I participated in British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s visit to China, where I attended my first meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Since then, I’ve taken part in countless Sino-British leadership events, making many connections along the way.
In 2009, during a business trip to Malta, I had the chance to meet then-Vice President Xi Jinping during his visit. A friend of mine, who was the son of Malta’s acting president, recommended me for many opportunities during that visit. My time in Malta inspired me greatly. I realized that many European countries were eager to collaborate with China, and I could play a bigger role in fostering Sino-European cooperation. Over the following years, I participated in numerous events accompanying Chinese leaders on their visits to Europe. My appearances were featured on CCTV's national news at least four times.
As my network expanded, many friends approached me to connect them with others. After more than a decade of entrepreneurship, I realized the importance of living a more relaxed life. I decided to focus on integrating resources among my friends. Details about my specific work can be found on another page of my website. I frequently attend high-level events in China and Europe to develop new connections. I also spend a lot of time every day learning new things and sharing knowledge with others.
There’s one phrase I always remember and often say: Friendships are meant to last a lifetime.
