Tianfu Yang, chairman and CEO of Harbin Electric, has been elected as a deputy representing Heilongjiang Province to the 11th National People's Congress (NPC).

Yang is one of very few entrepreneurs, chairman of non-state owned companies, and non-party members to be elected to the 3,000-strong congress.

"I am honored to have been elected by the people of Heilongjiang to the National People's Congress," said Yang. "This honour and the trust placed in me by the community recognize not only the leading position of Harbin Electric in technology and manufacturing but also the company's focus on the environment and social responsibility in China. I am very pleased that our contributions and efforts are being recognized by the local community and the government."

The NPC is the highest organ of state power and sole legislative body in China. Its deputies are elected by provincial level congresses. It meets annually in Beijing, with its next meeting due in March.