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
The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) opened in south China's island province of Hainan on Sunday with a record scale of global participation.
More than 1,700 companies from 71 countries and regions are participating in China's only national-level exhibition focused on consumer goods, showcasing over 4,100 brands.
Two special exhibition zones, respectively, on artificial intelligence (AI) and low-altitude economy applications, are set for the first time in Hall No. 1, where nearly 90 enterprises are showcasing their newest products and services, including more than 20 leading corporations in consumer electronics and cutting-edge sci-techs.
Brands like Huawei and Unitree are demonstrating products such as the latest smartphones and humanoid robots.
Live displays of low-altitude techs, such as Xpeng AeroHT's "flying car" and EHang's drones for cross-sea transport and tourism, are taking center stage.
China's Ministry of Commerce, one of the organizers of the CICPE, launched the "Shopping in China" campaign on Sunday morning, a nationwide initiative promoting shopping, dining, and tourism, as well as exhibitions and performances with about 30 activities throughout the year.
"Since five years (ago), we [have been participating in this] Hainan expo. We have now a company in Hainan. I am now living in Hainan. We have customers all over China. It's very big. The opportunity of China is the size of the market," said Ramel Francois Felix, CEO of Les Vignerons du Castelas.
"When we joined the consumer products expo last year, 80 percent of the exhibits we brought here were produced exactly according to designs for Pakistani people. So this year, we have brought different exhibits, many of which were designed with Chinese cultural elements," said a Pakistani exhibitor.
The first Singaporean exhibition group of enterprises appeared at the expo.
"Singapore selected five enterprises to attend the fifth CICPE. China's huge consumer market is their primary focus, and they hope this expo will help them enter the Chinese market and find some good business partners to sell their products better," said Liu Peng, chief representative with the Singapore representative office of the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development.
The 2025 CICPE is bridging global brands with China's market, highlighting Hainan's role as a key free trade hub.
China International Consumer Products Expo opens with record scale of global participation
