In 1980, Guo established a department store in Cayenne to sell goods from China. Through on-site demonstrations of usefulness, the commodities were well received by local people.

Inspired by the popularity of his goods, Guo expanded the business and introduced more products from China. Under his guidance, his family members set up their own stores in the region, forming a complete sales network in French Guiana.

Guo turned his eyes to his hometown in Qingtian county after achieving business success on foreign land. He encouraged villagers to start businesses in French Guiana and tried his best to help them remove cultural and business obstacles as quickly as possible by inviting language teachers and offering them financial support.

Nowadays, there are over 5,000 Qingtian people living and working in French Guiana and more than 450 of the 600-plus local stores are run by Chinese people.

Even after this success, Guo didn't slow down. He conceived a new idea of building matchmaking platforms to gather resources and strengths of overseas Chinese people for China's development. Now, platforms have been set up in a few cities in Zhejiang, including Hangzhou, Lishui and Yiwu, after which several major projects have been established in the province.

Guo runs as a torch bearer for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. [Photo/Zheshang Magazine]