Life of Guangzhou - Developing a "Canton Promises" for All

This year Guangzhou (also known as Canton) enters the 2,222th anniversary of its founding with an international flavor --- sister cities events in March, the visit of American replica ancient ship "China Queen", and coming soon, the municipal government's honoring selected foreign experts for their contributions with the 4th Yangcheng Friendship Award (YFA) at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center on March 29. It is the biggest ever YFA event.

Guangzhou is a booming land of dreams, dreams of a better life and a better place to live, incorporating tens of thousands from overseas. They came for work on responsibility, personal interest in this oriental nation and culture, and life experiences and opportunities. "Guangzhou is raw, with opportunities to make things happen," said John of the British Chamber of Commerce in Guangzhou.

The expats are dedicating to "make things happen" in business, education and entertainment among others, alongside thousand of Chinese in the city. They are also savoring Cantonese food and tea, as locals do, making new friends, and jostling in the crowds around the metro stations, and shopping malls, in this exotic city faraway from their hometowns. They are part of the dynamic Canton community.

Dedication and achievement

Many expats play an essential part in helping Guangzhou develop, economically, socially and culturally. In each Guangzhou-made Toyota car, and Pearl River Piano, the quality efforts of Japanese management and American consultants can be found. In the latest Chunyun Rush (festive transportation peak in China in February or January), the American manager of Southern Airlines Reza Shafii, worked long hours with his Chinese colleagues on plane maintenance, to provide a safe and efficient means of transport for the tens of thousands returning home. Sixty-year-old Yun Deng, a reputed opera singer in the US, dreams of helping the Cantonese understand and appreciate more about opera.

From 1996 to 2006, approximately 25,000 foreign experts were introduced by Guangzhou Government in various fields. Thanks to their significant contributions, Guangzhou's industrial management and technology has been substantially improved. Furthermore, the competitiveness of some state-owned companies enhanced, including Pearl River Piano Group, South China Tires Company and Zhujiang Beer Group.

With foreign involvement, local culture and education have also become more internationally diversified and improved. Also, major public projects are well developed, such as MTR Line 1, Air Quality Management, and Intelligent Transportation Control System.

Many expats have found a sense of accomplishment in what they have achieved here. The open and friendly environment and committed Chinese provide opportunities. Tetsuo Arikawa, factory manager of Toyota (Guangzhou), feels proud to have participated in the building of a model factory with a group of young people he trained. It is a considerable achievement by a French tutor of Guangzhou University Mr. Sebastien, that his students’ French improved substantially, so much so that some have departed for France to pursue Master Degrees.

Overseas visitors have brought new philosophies, technologies, methodologies and broadened the horizon of opportunities. Chinese appreciate with hospitality, enjoyment and gratitude.

"I've fallen in love with the city's way of life"

Foreigners are astonished at the city's dynamism and growth. "Guangzhou is developing every day. …Its developing speed is ten times faster than that of Japan." marveled Tetsuo Arikawa.

Overseas visitors find interesting ways to overcome cultural differences via communication and socialization. Tetsuo Arikawa attended Chinese colleague's weddings, and was touched by the harmonious atmosphere of family unity. Mr. Sebastien feels that, "There is a mutual respect and cooperation between my Chinese colleagues and me".

They've come to like the city and the people here for its welcoming appeal, and feel comfortable with the life. Frenchman Girani Sebastien, who also studies Chinese in Guangzhou said, "I have fallen in love with the city's way of life, with its climate, its dynamism, its culture." Diverse cuisine, local culture, a night life with bars and night clubs, art shows, sports events, scenic spots - all feed their desires for personal, social and economic growth.

Many have even found there better halves in this subtropical land, like Jon Ransom of Huamei School.

Guangzhou also recognizes and appreciates the contributing visitors with the official laurel.

Official laurel --- Yangcheng Friendship Award

The goodwill award offered by the local municipal government is the most eminent laurel for selected overseas talents in Guangzhou for their contributions to the region. It was launched in 1996, and subsequently held in 2001 and 2004, honoring 32 foreign experts in total. It is organized by the Guangzhou Foreign Experts Bureau.

The event is expanding and has witnessed a number of breakthroughs this time: more award winners (14), more educational and cultural awardees (3), first ever presence of private companies (Kingfa Scien-tech Company and Huamei School) and more applying organizations, compared with the past.

French Consul General in Guangzhou Jean-Raphael Peytregnet regards the award as a great and beneficial way to promote the city in becoming more international and open.

Guangzhou is geared up to become a cosmopolitan city of charm and dynamism as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games approach. Opportunities are mushrooming for incoming brains and talents to foster a diversified land of opportunities.

They are Cantonese "Lao Wais", members of the "Greater Canton" household.

(By Ronald Li)