Wang Jianlin may be the chairman of Dalian Wanda Group, one of China’s largest real estate developers, but he’s not content to rest on his laurels. In a video interview, Wang discusses his successes, and how expanding beyond China is a logical step for the group. Dalian Wanda is known for its extravagant Wanda Plazas, as well as various luxury hotels and residential properties. “The reason for Wanda Plaza being so popular is that we emphasize the experience for shoppers. It’s not just retail,” Wang told CNN. “More than half the businesses here are food, drinks, and entertainment.” There are 88 Wanda Plazas across China, and Wang says he’s swamped by requests to build more. Even though Wang says there’s enough work in China to maintain stellar growth rates for Dalian Wanda for another 20 years, he is still keen to develop overseas. “In 2014, we will become the world’s largest real estate company,” says Wang. “We will definitely make it international.” He is listed as China’s richest man, with a net worth of $14.2 billion recorded by Bloomberg in August 2013. Dalian Wanda became the world’s largest movie theater chain following its $2.6 billion acquisition of AMC Entertainment Holdings last year.
