Algis Bernotas from Lithuania gives a thumbs up in front of the Ningbo Imported Commodity Center, Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]
"Ningbo is my second home. It gave me the opportunity to start a business," said Algis Bernotas from Lithuania, who now runs a supply chain service company in the city.
Bernotas traces his bond with Ningbo back to the year 2011 when he encouraged his daughter to apply to the University of Nottingham Ningbo.
"I was obsessed with the city's scenery upon getting off the plane when I sent my daughter to the school for registration. I took the chance to have a tour there and had a good impression," said Bernotas.
Missing Ningbo so much after returning home, Bernotas agreed without hesitation to move to the city upon an invitation from his daughter after graduation, and started a new life in Ningbo.
Bernotas and his daughter founded a supply chain service company with the help of the China (Ningbo) Central and Eastern Europe Youth Innovation Center. The company specializes mainly in auto parts export and food import.
"The kind, warm-hearted and hardworking local residents and a sound trade environment made me decide to stay here. The city's advanced manufacturing industry is also helpful for export businesses," said Bernotas.
He moved his company to the innovation center last July. With the assistance of the center, his company gradually got on the right track and managed to sell products to Europe. He also planned to hire some Chinese workers, especially Ningbo citizens, in the future.
Speaking of his feelings for Ningbo, Bernotas praised the rapid development of urban infrastructure and the cultural diversity of the city.
"There are more and more foreigners here. I can make friends with people from all over the world."
He is also impressed with the local living environment, saying the city is not so crowded as Shanghai or Beijing and the life is not so fast-paced.
"Ningbo is a city with easy life and delicious food. Once you come, you would never want to leave."
Bernotas is just one example of the many people from Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) who have found their opportunities in Ningbo.
The China (Ningbo) Central and Eastern Europe Youth Innovation Center has so far attracted 69 projects and has provided jobs for 42 foreigners from Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.
The center is expected to house more than 200 startups and hundreds of professionals from CEEC within the next three years.
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