Zhao Xiaogang
Industry: Transportation
Title: Chairman and CEO
Organization: China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corporation (CSR)
As the man behind China's largest rail maker, Xiaogang leads the construction of the Beijing-Shanghai Express Rail. Scheduled for completion in 2011, the high-speed train will connect China's political center -- Beijing -- to its economic artery -- Shanghai -- in only five hours, halving the current travel time between the country's two most populous cities.
The line will provide transportation for over 10% of China's passengers. Some 32 million Chinese who live along the new line will have access to the record-setting train, which will average a speed of 350 km/h, making it the fastest passenger rail in the world.
The Beijing-Shanghai Express will open doors for new business opportunities and improved political, economic, and social exchange. The construction of the railway reportedly costs $31.6 billion. In its first quarter report, CSR announced that net profit surged 84%, to $52 million.
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Last updated June 17 2010: 5:11 PM ET
