MA'ANSHAN, China, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:
For 24 years, the Yangtze River was more than a waterway for Chen Lanxiang; it was her home, her workplace, and the center of her life.
Married in 1995, Chen, known locally as San Jie, or "third sister", spent more than two decades living aboard a modest fishing boat moored at Xuejiawa on the eastern bank of the Yangtze in Ma'anshan, Central China's Anhui province.
"We lived a hard life on the boat, enduring scorching summers and freezing winters," Chen recalled.
Her days often began long before dawn. Rising at 1 or 2 am, she and her husband cast their nets in the darkness, then hurried to deliver the night's catch to market vendors by 5 am. Every day depended on the weather, the river, and a little luck.
Life became even harder as the Yangtze's ecology deteriorated.
At the time, Xuejiawa's shoreline was crowded with more than 200 fishing boats, illegal docks, shantytowns, polluting factories, and piles of solid waste. More than 50 fishing families squeezed out a living there as the once-clear waters became increasingly polluted.
"The fish kept getting smaller and fewer," Chen said. "Sometimes there were hardly any left to catch."
Years of overfishing, coupled with pollution and intensive shoreline development, had taken a heavy toll on the Yangtze's ecosystem. Once home to abundant aquatic life, the river saw fish resources decline sharply.
To reverse the ecological decline, China launched a landmark 10-year fishing ban across key waters of the Yangtze River Basin. Fully implemented in 2021, the ban aimed to allow fish populations to recover, restore biodiversity and safeguard the long-term ecological health of China's longest river. The initiative also included resettlement and employment support programs to help fishermen transition to new careers.
For Chen, the transition began even earlier.
In May 2019, Anhui province launched a fisherman resettlement initiative as part of its efforts to protect the Yangtze. Xuejiawa became one of the first places to begin the transformation.
Leaving the river, however, was one of the hardest decisions she had ever faced.
"I really couldn't bear to leave," she said. "We had no other skills and didn't know how we would survive on land."
Her husband initially refused to sign the resettlement agreement. It was only after repeated visits from local officials — who explained the policies, promised employment support, arranged for their children to attend nearby schools, and secured retirement pensions — that the family finally decided to take the leap.
"Today, each retired fisherman receives a monthly pension of 530 to 590 yuan (about $75 to $85), providing a basic safety net as they begin life ashore," she said.
The decision to leave her fishing boat behind opened the door to an entirely new life.
With government support, her family moved into a new apartment, replacing their cramped boat cabin with a real home complete with separate rooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
"My life has changed dramatically since settling ashore," she said with a smile. "I now work regular hours from 8 am to 5 pm. After dinner, I can go downstairs for a walk or dance in the square. We no longer worry about storms or strong winds."
Leaving fishing also led Chen to discover a new calling.
Supported by rent-free business premises for five years and a fully renovated office, she established the "San Guniang" (Third Sister) Labor Service Company.
Now serving as its general manager, Chen oversees teams responsible for market cleaning, road sanitation, and landscaping maintenance. Over the past five years, the company has helped many former fishermen build stable new livelihoods while distributing a total of 900,000 yuan ($133,000) in dividends to its members.
"At first, I felt lost," she said. "But, by working together, our lives have steadily improved. I even bought my own apartment and built a real home. Now I feel hopeful about the future."
The river itself has undergone an equally remarkable transformation.
Today, water quality in the Ma'anshan section of the Yangtze has consistently reached Class II standards. Fish populations have rebounded. The polluted banks of Xuejiawa, once lined with illegal docks and factories, have been transformed into a scenic ecological park that attracts visitors from across the region.
Where Chen once tied up her fishing boat, tourists now stop to admire sweeping river views.
Today, Chen protects the river that once sustained her.
As president of the Yushan Branch of the Ma'anshan Civilian Enterprise River Chief Federation, she patrols the Jiuhua Village embankment with fellow former fishermen, helping safeguard the Yangtze River and promote the fishing ban.
"We fishermen have depended on this river for generations," she said. "Even though we no longer fish, our emotional bond with it has never changed. It is our responsibility to protect our mother river. We also encourage people to respect the fishing ban and discourage illegal fishing."
Looking ahead, Chen hopes the next generation will cherish the river's recovery while making use of its restored abundance responsibly.
"The fish are multiplying rapidly now," she said. "When the 10-year fishing ban eventually ends, I hope our children will be able to fish again under scientific management and government guidance. I think that would be the best future for both the river and the people who depend on it."
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A fisherwoman's new life along a revived Yangtze
SINGAPORE, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia) 2026 will launch on the 13–15 August at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, marking a significant milestone as the event enters its 21st edition under the organisation of MP Singapore.
Presented by the Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) (Singapore), FLAsia 2026 brings together more than 250 international franchise and licensable brands, over 150 exhibitors from across Asia and beyond, and is expected to welcome more than 7,000 business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and decision-makers over three days.
The event will be opened by our guest-of-honour, Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
Gan Shee Wen, President, Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore) added:
"For over two decades, FLAsia has supported countless businesses in their growth journeys. This year's edition reflects the growing confidence in Asia's franchising ecosystem and reinforces Singapore's position as the region's gateway for brands looking to expand internationally."
"Singapore is well positioned for business expansion in the Asia region. As Asia's Leading Franchise and Licensing event, FLAsia has always been more than an exhibition—it is a marketplace where entrepreneurs, investors and brands come together to create new opportunities. MP Singapore is committed to elevating FLAsia into Asia's premier platform for business expansion, bringing together global brands, innovative concepts and strategic partnerships that will shape the future of franchising and licensing.", stated Jason Ng, Managing Director, MP Group
A Vibrant Marketplace for Regional Growth & Expansion
This year's event will feature franchise and licensing brands across several industry sectors, including:
- Beauty & Wellness
- Education
- Food & Beverage
- Intellectual Property & Licensing
- Lifestyle
- Retail
- Services
- Technology
Beyond the exhibition, visitors can also participate in an extensive programme comprising:
- 2nd Chinese Franchise Summit
- 2nd Edition: Design WAH!
- Business Matching Programme
- Creative Capital Conference: Design x IP & Licensing
- Expanding Through Franchising & Licensing: Opportunities and Strategies for Korean Brand in Southeast Asia
- FLAsia Summit
- Franchise & Licensing Showcases
- FUTR Capsule
- Go Global Roundtable
- Mascot Parade
FLAsia 2026 will also feature country pavilions from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and Vietnam.
FLAsia Drives Industry Collaboration
The Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) (Singapore) will mark a significant milestone at the Opening Ceremony of FLAsia 2026 with the signing of three strategic Memoranda of Understanding with Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), Singapore Retailers Association (SRA), and Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS). These partnerships establish a comprehensive framework for collaboration in industry projects, internship placements, speaking opportunities, case‑study development, and the co‑development and co‑delivery of training courses for adult learners, alongside joint members' networking and business matching events. Collectively, these initiatives will strengthen licensing adoption, foster design‑driven business growth, and equip enterprises to thrive and expand in Asia's dynamic markets, reinforcing Singapore's position as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and enterprise growth.
For more information on FLAsia 2026, please visit www.franchiselicenseasia.com
About Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia)
Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia) is Asia's leading marketplace for franchising and licensing opportunities. Now in its 21st edition, FLAsia connects entrepreneurs, investors, franchisors, licensors and business leaders through a comprehensive platform featuring exhibitions, conferences, business matching and networking opportunities.
Held annually in Singapore, FLAsia showcases franchise concepts, licensable intellectual property, retail innovations and business expansion opportunities from around the world, enabling companies to scale across Asia through strategic partnerships and international collaboration.
Visit www.franchiselicenseasia.com for more information
About MP Singapore
The MP Group (MP) is a global full-service agency that specialises in connecting and building eco-systems, industry engagement, events management and marketing.
Established since 1987, MP embodies more than a quarter century of event building, marketing and management experience in both Eastern and Western cultures, practices, and business philosophies. We bring world-class talent, industry expertise, and incredible enthusiasm into the design and management of extraordinary online-to-offline experiences for your organisation.
MP is part of Pico Group, a global group of agencies specialising in engaging people, creating experiences and activating brands for businesses, institutions and governments. As part of the Pico group, MP has unlimited access to a wide network of industry contacts and resources. Pico Far East Holdings has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1992.
Visit mpinetwork.com for more information.
About the Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) (Singapore)
Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore), one of the founding members of the World Franchise Council, was established in 1993 with the mission to nurture and develop Singapore's franchising industry. An essential component of Singapore's knowledge-based economy, FLA (Singapore) promotes and facilitates the use of franchising, licensing and branding as a growth strategy for Singapore enterprises, turning Singapore into a regional franchise and license hub.
Through its partnership with Singapore government agencies and international franchise and license bodies, FLA (Singapore) assists its members in their international development programmes. With an active growing membership of close to 180 companies, representing more than 300 strong brands, FLA (Singapore) is led and managed by a dedicated team of advisors, committee members and a full-time secretariat with the goal of supporting Singapore companies to expand internationally.
Visit www.flasingapore.org for more information.
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Franchising & Licensing Asia 2026 Opens New Chapter Under MP, Strengthening Singapore's Position as Asia's Franchise and Licensing Hub
