"I'm just an ordinary person, but luckily enough, I live in a good time," Zong said, adding that the government-supported business merge marked a historic breakthrough for Wahaha, which grew from nothing to a scale business.

"Running a business is most difficult at its initial stage. But we had nothing except enthusiasm," he said, "Zhejiang people are bestowed with wisdom and a pioneering spirit.”

Talking about Wahaha's secrets of success, Zong noted that China's reform and opening up policies and an entrepreneurial and innovation spirit matter the most.

While the company focuses on beverage and food industries, it also pays great attention to introducing high-caliber talents and advanced technologies.

In 2016, the group acquired over 1,000 robot technologies through partnering with Israel.

After 30 years of development, Wahaha now has over 80 production bases and 180 subsidiaries in 29 provinces throughout China with total assets amounting to over 460 billion yuan ($66.15 billion).

Employees of Wahaha celebrate 30th anniversary of its establishment in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 18, 2017. [Photo/IC]