Qin Shengli (middle) proposes a toast during a meeting with clients from Romania. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

Qin Shengli, founder of an import and export company, is now committed to promoting exchange between Romania and Yiwu in Zhejiang province, local media reported on July 14.

"I want to help locals in the city learn more about Romania. My stage is Yiwu's small commodity market. I will take full advantage of the Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe freight trains and the Belt and Road Initiative," said Qin.

The accomplished businessman has lived in Yiwu for 20 years. Back then, he was nothing more than a young man eager to make a name for himself. The city witnessed his growth from an enthusiastic college graduate to an ambitious entrepreneur.

Qin majored in international trade, but he started as an associate manager at an accessories factory. He took charge of the distribution of assembly lines and the procurement of parts and raw materials. The tedious work instilled in him a strong work ethic and provided a solid foundation for his career.

When China joined the WTO in 2001, Yiwu's small commodity trade surged, and it gained a reputation as the "world's market." Qin seized the opportunity, jumped out of his comfort zone, and joined an export company.

"My first client came from Romania and only spoke Romanian," Qin recalled. Yet, he broke through the language barrier with gestures, patience, and more importantly, his sincerity to do business. The client was persuaded and made an order worth over 400,000 yuan ($57,040).

Savoring his first victory, Qin felt destined to seek more opportunities in Romania and began learning Romanian in his spare time.

Qin and his Romanian friends [Photo/zgyww.cn]

Communication skills and an open mind made Qin stand out from his colleagues. For many businessmen and tourists from Romania, Qin has become their first choice in Yiwu.

In 2006, he founded his own export company, which grew quickly thanks to his old friends in Romania and Yiwu’s booming international trade. Every year, the company exports over 1,000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) to Romania, the United States, Brazil, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Qin kept close ties with his clients in Romania and visits the country several times a year. "The country boasts many high quality commodities and cultural products. I was always considering importing them to Yiwu," he said.

In 2019, Qin submitted all the necessary paperwork to the investment promotion office of the Yiwu China Imported Commodities Mall. The Romanian Pavilion took shape in less than one month and opened in November.

"Commodities are just the medium in which I hope to boost exchange in culture, tourism, and education," Qin said.

The Romanian Pavilion at the incubation area of the Yiwu China Imported Commodities Mall [Photo/zgyww.cn]