Foreign residents in Qingdao attend a Foreign Experts Symposium in Qingdao, Shandong province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo by Wei Yao]

Foreign experts living in Qingdao, Shandong province, gathered on Sept. 10 for a symposium jointly hosted by the Foreign Talent Research Center, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China, and the Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology. 

During the meeting, eight experts from seven countries — the United States, Russia, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, South Korea and Nigeria — who reside and work in Qingdao, shared their experiences. They expressed their fondness for the city and offered insights and recommendations on enhancing services and support for foreign professionals to help them better integrate into local life.

Boncho Dragiyski, vice dean of the Gutenberg Honors College at Qingdao City University, speaks at the symposium in Qingdao, Shandong province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]

Boncho Dragiyski, vice dean of the Gutenberg Honors College at Qingdao City University, emphasized the critical role of cultural promotion within an international context. As a researcher and educator with diverse international educational experience, he also praised China's focus on education and technological innovation, noting that Qingdao's international environment had enabled him to find both professional balance and achieve personal growth, and expressed his hope that more international professionals, like himself, would make Qingdao their home.

Dragiyski also underscored the importance of community contributions: "We matter," he remarked. "We cannot make sense of the future without looking backwards as we build on strong foundations and with people that matter." Finally, he expressed his intention to leverage his international background to enhance higher education in Qingdao, aiming to develop Qingdao City University into a more international institution, aligning with his primary mission and purpose for being in the city.

Ekaterina Fomenko, a Russian language instructor, speaks at the symposium in Qingdao, Shandong province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo by Wei Yao]

Ekaterina Fomenko, a Russian language teacher at the China University of Petroleum (East China), praised the university for its emphasis on international exchanges and cooperation, offering an excellent platform for foreign experts. She highlighted four main attractions of Qingdao: its beautiful natural environment, rich history, open international atmosphere and advantageous location. She looked forward to smoother processes for handling social security, health insurance, taxation and financial services, expressing confidence in China's continuous improvements, which have been recognized globally.

Park Hwansung, head of the Production Technology Department at Lidong Chemical in Qingdao, highlighted the city's positive business environment, talent policies and rich cultural heritage as significant attractions for foreign experts. He noted the comprehensive public service system covering streamlined procedures for work permits, talent visas, children's education and social insurance, which has significantly enhanced foreigners' quality of life. Finally, he expressed his hope for better community integration, improved Chinese language training opportunities, and enhanced support in medical services and education for children.