By Jin Lu

As China continues to open its doors to the world, Ningbo foreign trade professionals are strengthening their global connections.

As a major foreign trade hub, Ningbo is home to more than 25,000 foreign trade enterprises and over 2 million people engaged in related work.

In the fiercely competitive global marketplace, how do these professionals tell compelling stories about China and help "Made in Ningbo" products thrive worldwide?

Building trust around the world

Narrated by: Chen Dehuan, Foreign Trade Manager of Ningbo Hidrotek

Our company is a high-tech enterprise specialising in smart home and business solutions, IoT devices, smart water purifiers and filter membranes, and core technologies for smart kitchen appliances. Its products are sold worldwide.

Since 2016, I've overseen foreign trade, interacting with international customers and building strong friendships through business exchanges and daily communication.

When I attend overseas trade shows, I always bring unique Chinese gifts, such as Chinese knots, to share a taste of Chinese culture and warmth with our clients during busy trade shows.

One German customer made a lasting impression on me. When I presented her with these gifts, she was pleasantly surprised - it was her first gift from China, and she hadn't expected it to be at a trade show.

When international customers visit Hidrotek, I often act as a tour guide, taking them to iconic Ningbo landmarks such as Tianyi Pavilion, Laowaitan (Old Bund) and Moon Lake, allowing them to experience the city's scenic beauty and cultural heritage.

Once, a British client mentioned that his grandmother had recently taken an interest in Chinese Mahjong. I took him to the Tianyige Museum to see the Mahjong Origins Exhibition Hall. When he learned that Ningbo is the birthplace of Mahjong, he was thrilled and even posed for photos with Mahjong sculptures to show his grandmother back home.

With every customer, I approach interactions with sincerity and integrity, building trust and fostering an understanding of Chinese culture, which is embedded in our corporate philosophy.

Last year, a Middle Eastern distributor we'd worked with for years lost contact with us because of the war. We later learned that his business had been destroyed, and he had financial difficulty. I immediately reported the situation to the company and asked for special permission to ship goods without asking for guarantees. This was based purely on trust and our shared values of mutual support.

In the end, the customer was able to make the payment and recover from the crisis, further strengthening our partnership.

Bridging Hearts Through Stories

Narrated by: Li Jinxia, Ningbo Hongyan Packaging Materials

As a foreign trade professional, I've spent over a decade working with international clients who enjoy chatting with me. Beyond discussing orders, I often share fascinating Chinese stories that spark interesting conversations and bring us closer.

Once, while hosting a German client, I served Ningbo's traditional rice cakes as the main dish. It was his first time trying rice cakes, and he was intrigued.

I explained that rice cakes are made from rice and shared their origins, cultural significance, and preparation methods. He found it incredible that rice could be transformed into such a unique delicacy.

On his second visit, this client, who had previously been a listener, proudly introduced rice cakes to his colleagues. This left me with a sense of accomplishment—it's rewarding to promote our local specialties and culture in such a memorable way.

We also pay great attention to selecting gifts for our clients. These gifts must embody Chinese characteristics and cultural meaning.

For example, I've carefully chosen porcelain plates adorned with China's national flower, the peony, as gifts for important international clients. I explain that both "China" and "porcelain" share the same English name, highlighting the country's historical connection to ceramics. The blooming peony symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, which resonates deeply with our clients.

I've also gifted silk scarves, a symbol of ancient China's role in international trade. While presenting them, I share the story of Zhenhai, Ningbo's ancient port on the Maritime Silk Road, leaving a lasting impression on the clients.

These thoughtful gifts and cultural exchanges have resulted in countless memorable moments. Whether arranging tours, accommodations, or gifts, I always strive to incorporate meaningful experiences that leave a profound impression on our clients.

As a result, our network continues to expand, and our market grows stronger.

I believe that foreign trade companies play an important role in bridging China with the rest of the world. Our interaction with international clients goes beyond business - it is an exchange of cultures and ideas.

Foreign trade professionals must not only excel in business but also serve as cultural ambassadors, building a bridge of friendship between China and the world.