Peruvian engineer drawn to Shenzhen's tech boom

The deepening bond between China and Peru has opened doors for countless individuals, including many Peruvians who have sought opportunities in the dynamic Chinese market

Christian Virrueta, a Peruvian engineer, shared his unexpected journey to China, revealing the surprising factors that drew him to the bustling metropolis

"Actually, during my last year in my university in Spain, I did an exchange program here in China. So it was in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang University. I just love the mix of nature and development like technology. I've never seen something like that," said Virrueta.

Since early 2022, Virrueta has been making a significant impact as a field service engineer at BGI Genomics, traveling the world to support clients and advance the field of life sciences.

"I have been involved in collaborative bioscience projects, including my recent work with BGI Genomics in the new clinical laboratory in Uruguay, Latin America. This facility provides preventive medicine and early disease diagnosis, including services such as non-invasive prenatal genetic testing and early screening for colorectal cancer," he said.

Virrueta noted that the collaboration between China and Peru in bioscience has intensified over the years, resulting in mutual benefits derived from the exchange of resources, expertise, and technology.

"China's leadership in biotechnology can produce unique and abundant biodiversity, making this a powerful partnership, especially in advancing healthcare and early disease detection. We are seeing increased collaboration that allows both countries to tackle public health challenges through cutting edge, research, technology, and innovation," said Virrueta.

He said that both Lima and Shenzhen serve as hubs of innovation and opportunity, where individuals consistently strive for progress, embrace change, and welcome fresh ideas. The engineer added that the similar blend of natural charm and urban vitality makes both cities feel familiar despite their geographical distance.

Peruvian engineer drawn to Shenzhen's tech boom

A new direct passenger flight route from Ningbo City of east China's Zhejiang Province to Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh opened on Wednesday, which also marked the first international flight out of the city's airport in 2025.

The new flight departs from the Ningbo Lishe International Airport at 13:30 and takes just under four and a half hours to reach the Cambodian capital. Operated by Cambodian airlines, it is scheduled to fly every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with the return flight departing Phnom Penh at 07:40 local time on the same days.

The direct route provides an important travel option for tourists, especially those from Ningbo and the surrounding areas. Pang Cuili, a Ningbo resident who had to transit in Shanghai for a midnight arrival in Phnom Penh, said the new service now offers much greater convenience.

"We'll fly at 13:30 and arrive at around 16:50. It’s very convenient [timing] for us to check into the hotel after arriving," she said.

As the capital and largest city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has long been an important international aviation hub in Southeast Asia, with the new route giving a further boost to the economic and cultural exchanges between Ningbo and ASEAN countries.

"Today marks the first flight of Ningbo Airport's regular direct passenger service to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The opening of this route is also an important move for the airport to help implement the Belt and Road Initiative, enriching international passenger transport routes, and further speeding up the recovery of the international market," said Chen Qiaoyu, manager of the Market Development Department at the Ningbo Lishe International Airport.

As Cambodia Airlines' first route out of Ningbo Airport, the new service also signals the airline's broader plans to connect various parts of China with Cambodia in the coming year.

Ningbo airport launches first direct flight to Phnom Penh