Zottele talks with his students at Changzhou University. [Photo/ourjiangsu.com]

Esteban Zottele, an Argentine national, is a teacher at Changzhou University and deputy director of the university's Latin American research center. With seven years of teaching experience and almost two decades of living in China, Zottele has been making efforts to enhance ties between Chinese and Latin American people.

Zottele's became interested in China in 1976 when he had a chance to witness a Chinese acrobatics performance at the age of five. In 1999, he made his first trip to China as a tourist, and five years later, Zottele made the life-changing decision to come to China for further education.

Over the years, Zottele has experienced firsthand the remarkable transformations taking place in China. He has witnessed the extensive high-speed rail network connecting most regions of the country and increased access to education for many. The rising quality of life and the proliferation of shopping centers and cafes are just a few examples of China's dynamic changes.

In June 2018, driven by his passion for fostering academic exchange between China and Latin American countries, Zottele played a pivotal role in establishing the Belt and Road China-Latin America Research Academy. The academy, which involves the embassies of countries such as Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Cuba, Changzhou University, and the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in China, aims to enhance Latin American understanding and engagement with the Belt and Road Initiative through scholarly research.

In Zottele's view, the BRI represents a significant opportunity for economic development and cross-cultural exchange, particularly for Latin American nations. He believes that mutual visits and exchanges, especially among young people, are key to propelling future Sino-Latin American relations forward.

Zottele attends a conference in Changzhou, Jiangsu. [Photo/ourjiangsu.com]