A Land of Opportunity, Innovation and Connection

From a vibrant exchange among young professionals and students from across Eurasia, a common theme emerged: China is not just a destination for study or business, it is a dynamic hub of innovation, opportunities and cultural connections.

A magnet for opportunity and growth

Ammara Hanif came from Pakistan to study chemistry in China's Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU), drawn by China's rising global influence and the remarkable safety in the country. "After living here, I can confidently say it's one of the safest countries I've ever been in," she said. For her, the combination of security and academic excellence made China the ideal place to pursue her master's degree.

For Anastassiya Yuy from Kazakhstan, majoring in Chinese at the XJTU, her parents told her to go to China: "My parents recommended I come here because they said China has a lot of chances," she explained. That advice proved insightful. Today, she sees China as a land of real opportunity, where ambition meets infrastructure and support.

For entrepreneurs like Emelyanova Anastasiya from Belarus, the motivation is rooted in China's vibrant business atmosphere. Anastasiya has created a successful car business in Xi'an and Chengdu. "I want to deliver my version of the China story to the people around me," she said.

Working in international trade and logistics, she sees China as a strategic hub. Belarus and China have strong relations, with many joint projects, partnerships and trade opportunities. "If you want to grow in global commerce, China is one of the best places to be."

Shamsullah Shariati, an entrepreneur from Afghanistan with a background in economics, came to deepen his understanding of large-scale infrastructure and cross-border development. "If you want to study real-world economics, huge international projects, you need to be where the action is," he said. "Here, the resources, research and practical insights are unmatched."

Russian student Alexey Pilipchak chose to study in China and specialize in logistics technology and management at XJTU. "I knew I could learn more here," he said. "And by learning Chinese, I can communicate directly with professionals and gain deeper, more practical knowledge every day."

Technology that transforms daily life

When asked about China's leadership in innovation, they all agreed that technology isn't just advanced in China, it is seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

"WeChat and Alipay are used for everything," Yuy said, referring to the Chinese apps used all over China as digital wallets. "Booking a hotel, buying food, paying for a bike ride — it's all on my phone. Life is simpler here."

Hanif marveled at the lifestyle in China where convenience is built into every step. "Step outside, and everything starts with your phone: transport, shopping, even healthcare," she said. She's particularly impressed by AI-driven diagnostics in hospitals: "Robotic systems help detect diseases early. It's not just modern, it's futuristic."

For Anastasiya, the e-commerce platforms are revolutionary. "They're fast, convenient, and a model for global e-commerce," she said. "We can learn from this system to help Chinese products reach the world and improve digital trade everywhere."

Shariati put it simply: "When you enter China, you enter a new lifestyle." And for Pilipchak, the high-speed rail stands out. "You can travel hundreds of kilometers in just a few hours," he said. "No long airport commutes. You can work, use your phone, and stay connected. It's not just fast — it's efficient and comfortable."

BRI: connecting continents, transforming lives

For young minds from diverse countries, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has emerged as a powerful force shaping their countries and their futures.

"BRI supports us in diverse fields — government cooperation, infrastructure, energy," said Shariati. "In Afghanistan and across Central Asia, it's boosted trade, created markets, and brought real development."

Hanif highlighted its impact on Pakistan: "Roads have improved, energy shortages are being addressed, and thousands of jobs have been created. Local economies are growing."

More importantly, the BRI is not just about China. "It brings mutual benefits. Investment, trade and business opportunities flow both ways. This is true win-win cooperation," she said.

Pilipchak added to that: The BRI isn't just about economics, it brings long-term global connectivity: "These projects aren't temporary. They're built on cultural and historical understanding, and they're designed to last for generations."

Source: Science and Technology Daily