From selling fruit on the streets to owning a glass factory!

Cao Dewang, born and raised in a poor family in rural China, is a true rags-to-riches story.

Cao started off peddling cut tobacco and selling fruit on the streets in his hometown at the age of 16. He also worked as a farmer and a chef before his luck turned in 1976 when he landed a job at Fuqing Gao Shan Special Glass Factory, where he was later promoted to merchandiser.

The factory soon fell into hard times, and in 1983, he was asked by the local authorities to take over the dying company.

He quickly turned it around and the business, which has since changed its name to Fuyao Glass Industry Group, began to make profits within one year.

His entry into manufacturing glass has not only brought him wealth, but also international fame as the winner of the Ernst & Young world entrepreneur of the year (EOY), 2009 award.

Talking to China Daily after receiving the award, Cao, the current Chairman of Fuyao, said: "To be chosen for this award from among a group of such talented entrepreneurs is a great honor, not just for me, but also for the 10,000 employees of Fuyao."

As Ernst & Young global chairman Jim Turley said, "Throughout his long career, Cao has shown entrepreneurial spirit, vision, leadership, determination and sheer hard work. He is a great example of the new breed of entrepreneurs based in the emerging markets who are bursting onto the global stage."

The EOY awards program was instituted in the United States in 1986 and has now expanded to 50 countries, with awards presented to around 1,000 of the world's most successful and innovative entrepreneurs. This is the first time that a Chinese entrepreneur is receiving this award.

Fuyao Glass Industry Group specializes in the production of automotive safety glass (controlling more than half of the overall domestic market) and glass for industrial use. In 1993, it was the first Chinese company in its sector to be listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.