The foreign trader cultivation activity takes place in the Optics Valley of China on June 13. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

A foreign trader cultivation activity was recently held in the Wuhan Area of Hubei Pilot Free Trade Zone, based in the East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC), on June 13.

The event was titled "Gather Talent on the New Track, Foreign Trade on the New Silk Road", and featured more than 200 university scholars, representatives of highly-regarded enterprises, leading foreign trade companies and related platforms, as well as cross-border e-commerce operators.

International students ask foreign trade company representatives about the jobs on offer. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

At the venue, a two-way choice event began with over 50 foreign trade companies specializing in biomedicine, optoelectronics, machine manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce providing some 300 positions to foreign trade talent, such as import and export business managers, e-commerce operators, interpreters, overseas after-sales engineers and customs business workers.

Twelve local college graduates and international students took part in the event. Felix from Zambia, for example, is a civil engineering major. "Recruitment fairs like this are helpful to international students. We can communicate directly with the company, which is more efficient than going through an agency," he said.

International students ask foreign trade company representatives about the jobs on offer. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The valley's departments of public security, customs and taxation set up service sites to offer consultations to foreign students on visa procedures, residence permits, foreign trade and taxes.