Zhang Wenjun, Vice President of the Hebei Provincial Association for Science and Technology, and his delegation visited the Veteran Experts Workstation at Leshou Agricultural and Pastoral Group in Xian County to conduct a research visit.

Vice County Governor of Xian County · Qi Kewang

At the research meeting on establishing the Senior Experts Workstation, Qi Kewang, Vice County Magistrate of Xian County, delivered the opening remarks and made a statement. First, County Magistrate Qi warmly welcomed Chairman Zhang and the delegation of veteran experts from the Senior Science and Technology Association to Xian County’s Leshou Group for their visit and guidance. He highlighted that Leshou Group has successfully developed a comprehensive, green, full-industry-chain system for its signature duck-based specialty product—ranging from breeding duck incubation and meat duck farming to feed production, slaughtering and carcass processing, and finally, ready-to-eat food products. This integrated approach has fostered deep collaboration across primary, secondary, and tertiary industries, driving coordinated growth and mutual benefits among sectors. With substantial technological strength and cutting-edge production techniques, the company is well-positioned for remarkable future development. County Magistrate Qi expressed hope that the provincial and municipal science and technology associations will recognize the initiative, provide targeted support, and offer expert guidance to help nurture and sustain this innovative project.

Le Shou Group Chairman · Gao Xijun

Le Shou Group Chairman Gao Xijun then briefed the provincial and municipal science and technology association leaders on the company’s overview. He noted that the company, established in 1998, is a nationally recognized leader among key agricultural industrialization enterprises at the national level. As a well-known producer of raw duck products nationwide, Le Shou accounts for approximately 10% of China’s total duck坯 production and sales, while capturing around 20% of Beijing’s market share—placing it firmly among the industry’s top players. The company’s core business spans across corn cultivation, breeding and propagation of parent ducks, feed processing, meat duck farming, slaughtering and duck坯 production, as well as the processing of ready-to-eat delicacies and the operation of a nationwide chain of Peking duck restaurants. Together, these activities have created a fully integrated, three-sector development model for the entire Peking duck value chain. Moreover, Le Shou Group’s distinctive strengths in the duck坯 industry not only drive local agricultural growth but also foster close, mutually beneficial partnerships with farmers.

The company places great emphasis on technological innovation and product development, as well as on attracting and nurturing scientific talent. We see this opportunity—our ongoing research into the establishment of Hebei Province’s Senior Experts Workstation—as a chance to collaborate even more closely with you, our esteemed veteran science and technology professionals. We sincerely invite all of you to continue leveraging your exceptional expertise to drive the growth of Xianxian County’s signature "Xianxian Meat Duck" industry. Together, we aim to make significant strides toward establishing a "Provincial-Level Senior Experts Workstation" in Leshou Town, Xianxian County. Our company fully aligns with the principles required for setting up such a workstation: we boast robust financial and operational capabilities, consistently pursue cutting-edge research projects each year, and maintain strong ties to agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. To support this initiative, we urgently need your technical guidance, mentorship, and project collaboration. With already established strengths in both science and economics, we are well-equipped to provide senior experts with state-of-the-art office spaces and ideal working conditions. Our ultimate goal is to create a dynamic, technology-driven service network that leverages your invaluable expertise, utilizes the workstation as a platform, and focuses on advancing the entire value chain of Xianxian County’s flagship agricultural industries. Through this collaborative effort, we are committed to playing a pivotal role in revitalizing rural communities and fostering sustainable, innovative growth across the region.

Wang Zhenzhuang, Secretary-General of the Hebei Provincial Association for Science and Technology

Wang Zhenzhuang, Secretary-General of the Hebei Provincial Senior Scientists Association, pointed out that last year, 30 senior expert workstations were established across the province. These workstations have played a crucial role in enabling veteran science and technology professionals to continue leveraging their technical expertise, thereby boosting the development of local specialty industries. They have also become a key platform for senior science and technology organizations at all levels, as well as for veteran experts themselves, to actively support "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers" initiatives. According to the *Hebei Provincial Senior Scientists Association’s Management Measures for Senior Expert Workstations*, these workstations must focus on leading industries, feature a dedicated team of experienced experts, address specific needs for scientific talent and projects, ensure that technological innovation directly contributes to tangible business growth, and demonstrate sufficient financial strength to provide suitable office spaces and working conditions for the experts. Following preliminary recommendations from city- and county-level science and technology associations, along with an in-depth investigation and evaluation of Leshou Group, it was determined that Xian County Leshou Group fully meets all the criteria required for establishing a provincial-level senior expert workstation. As such, the group will be recommended as a key provincial workstation, receiving robust support and assistance. The hope is that Leshou Group’s science and technology association workstation will not only operate effectively but also serve as a powerful catalyst for using technology to revitalize rural areas and drive the company’s innovative growth.

Lu Peiliang, Director of the Cangzhou Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Director Luo Peiliang of the Cangzhou Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs emphasized that the company must ensure high product quality, prioritize product development, and leverage the Agricultural Sciences Academy to accelerate the commercialization of research findings. Production processes must be rigorously controlled, with every step focusing on safeguarding product safety. The company has adopted a "Five Unifications" model to help farmers grow ducks and achieve prosperity, fostering strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with local agricultural households. Additionally, the company places great emphasis on cutting-edge technology, holding numerous patents and collaborating with renowned experts. Moving forward, the company aims to further strengthen its expert workstations, striving to establish itself as a key provincial-level support initiative.

Song Jianzhang, Director of the Hebei Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Director Song Jianzhang from the Hebei Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs emphasized that only enterprises with a robust, well-rounded industrial chain can thrive. As an integrated full-chain enterprise specializing in duck products, Xian County Leshou Group demonstrates remarkable vitality. The company boasts a tightly linked profit-sharing mechanism, enabling it to effectively boost farmers' incomes and help them achieve prosperity. Additionally, the firm provides meaningful employment opportunities for local residents, delivering significant social benefits. To further enhance its growth, the director suggested that the company should first strengthen and expand its core competencies while simultaneously targeting international markets by engaging in import and export trade. By aligning with global standards and pursuing a diversified market strategy, the company should proactively establish risk-prevention mechanisms. Leveraging both domestic and international markets and resources, it should also capitalize on platforms provided by the provincial department. Finally, the director recommended organizing small-scale matchmaking events tailored to specific product categories and even fostering industry alliances to collectively tackle international trade challenges.

Zhang Wenjun, Vice President of the Hebei Provincial Association for Science and Technology and Former Inspector at the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

At the conclusion of the symposium, Zhang Wenjun, Vice President of Hebei Provincial Senior Science and Technology Association and former Inspector-General of the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, delivered a keynote speech. He emphasized that 2020 is a pivotal year for our province as we strive to achieve a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Following the directives from the provincial Senior Science and Technology Association meeting, it was decided to launch the "Science and Technology Support Action for Rural Revitalization," focusing on key cities and counties to conduct research into agricultural and rural economic transformation and the development of agricultural industrialization. Additionally, efforts will be intensified to further establish senior science and technology association stations staffed by veteran experts. Notably, specialty agricultural products with distinct advantages hold significant growth potential, serving as the cornerstone for farmers to steadily increase their incomes and consolidate poverty alleviation achievements. Given Xian County’s outstanding competitive edge in the specialty meat duck industry—and considering that Leshou Group has already developed a complete industry chain—these factors fully meet the criteria for establishing a provincial-level expert workstation. Moving forward, the focus will be on refining infrastructure, building a specialized team, and attracting top-tier expert talent, ensuring the workstation not only meets but also effectively contributes to the broader goals of rural revitalization and sustainable agricultural development.

Chairman Zhang then emphasized that the industries chosen by LeShou Group in Xian County are excellent—specifically, Beijing Roast Duck, recognized as a national banquet dish with immense global influence and high market awareness. These specialized industries not only stand out prominently but also align perfectly with the goals of coordinated development among Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. Moreover, LeShou enjoys a strong reputation, boasts significant scale, and is deeply rooted in cultural heritage, fostering a robust corporate culture that sets it apart. The company has already established a dedicated research and development team, backed by a capable leadership cadre, driving innovation that propels its growth—and positioning LeShou for a bright future ahead.

And offered three recommendations:

At the end of the symposium, Chairman Zhang Wenjun and his delegation toured the Group’s key industries, including the Feed Division’s Testing Center, the Letong Feed Production Facility, the Leshou Duck Industry’s Halal Duck Product Processing Plant, and the Group’s Engineering Technology Center. Attendees from the Science and Technology Association listened attentively, observed carefully, and gained a deep understanding of Leshou Group’s current industry status as well as its future growth prospects.

Through the insightful visit and guidance from the delegation led by senior experts from the Provincial Association for Science and Technology, our group’s leadership felt profoundly enriched and inspired—like basking in a gentle spring breeze. This experience will undoubtedly provide powerful support for our group’s future research and development efforts, offering crucial direction at every step. We are deeply grateful for the strong backing the Provincial Association for Science and Technology has consistently shown to Leshou Group. Moving forward, we remain committed to doubling our efforts and striving for even greater achievements, further nurturing and expanding the "Xian County Muscovy Duck" as a signature local industry. Our goal is to establish "Leshou Duck Products" as a renowned national brand, vigorously driving economic growth across the county while empowering farmers to escape poverty and achieve prosperity. Ultimately, we aim to position ourselves as a leading example of China’s specialty roasted duck industry, setting a benchmark for industrial development in Hebei Province and beyond!