Ma also offered his views in an article published in the Wall Street Journal: "Today, China's middle class is equal in size to the entire U.S. population, and it is expected to double within seven years. This is an enormous number of new consumers with plenty of disposable income. How they spend is important for America's small businesses."

Ma said there had been already some cross-border successes. "They (Chinese consumers) buy seafood from Alaska, pork from Iowa, children's toys from Rhode Island, and sports gear from Oregon and Maryland."

"Jack Ma has helped a lot of small business owners to realize their American Dream," said John Paulson, a hedge fund manager. "In China and beyond, Alibaba is becoming a global channel to help small businesses."

On Alibaba's vision of globalization, Ma said, "In 10 years, we will help 2 billion consumers to shop on line. You can sell anywhere, buy anywhere."

"Alibaba Group was founded in China, but created for the world," was a message that Ma repeated several times in his speech.

"Jack Ma has achieved great things as an entrepreneur," said President of NYSE Group Thomas Farley.

Alibaba has changed the lives of ordinary people in China, and in Jack Ma, they see the power of the Chinese Dream, and the influence of the Chinese entrepreneur. 

This article is edited and translated from 《“我们看到中国梦的力量”》，source: People's Daily, author: Li Xiaohong