By CAO Xiuying & LONG Yun

Foreign employees from CPECC visit the Great Wall. (PHOTO: CPECC)

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well as the 30th anniversary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)’s going global, CNPC affiliate Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation (CPECC) organized the "International Employees in China" event, which invited international employees from nine countries to embark on a journey through China. During the trip, they were immersed in the rich Chinese history and culture while witnessing the extraordinary achievements of Chinese modernization.

Korganbayev Abror, an employee of CPECC’s Kazakhstan branch, was captivated by the number of new energy vehicles in Beijing. A Chinese speaker, Abror called China's development incredibly rapid and its beauty breathtaking.

Lennie Thomas visits the Shenzhen Reform and Opening-Up Exhibition Hall. (PHOTO: CPECC)

Dazzling destinations

The visitors’ China exploration started with a visit to the CNPC’s petrochemical project in Guangdong province in southeast China. Babylova Venera, chief engineer of the Earthwork Department at the CPECC's southwest branch in Turkmenistan, called the petrochemical plant exceptional and indescribably magnificent.

The visitors were also taken to Lennie Thomas, deputy director of the Rumaila Project in CPECC's Middle East division, said "CNPC should take immense pride. These dedicated employees ensure the secure operations of the facility, which is remarkable."

Babylova Venera, chief engineer of the Earthwork Department at CPECC's Southwest Branch in Turkmenistan, applauds this world-class petrochemical plant, saying, "It's truly exceptional and words alone cannot show its magnificence."

Also, the foreign employees embarked on an insightful journey to the Reform and Opening-Up Exhibition Hall of Shenzhen, the industrial hub in Guangdong, illustrating China's transformation during its 40-plus years of reform and opening-up. The journey continued to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge connecting three cities, and Huawei Technologies’ headquarters in Shenzhen.

Outstanding Milestones

The CPECC, one of the pioneering Chinese petroleum engineering companies, has five regional markets overseas and operates in 30 countries and regions. Over the past decade, it has enjoyed unparalleled growth, achieving seamless integration across its supply chain. Contracts with BRI countries now contribute 70 percent of its total contract value. It has penetrated markets where internationally renowned oil and gas giants such as ExxonMobil, BP, Shell and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company operate.

The CPECC's overseas business reached over 70 percent localization supported by a workforce comprising 10,000 foreign employees from 39 countries. Through the concerted efforts of Chinese and international personnel, numerous flagship projects shine like precious pearls along the Silk Road.

According to Li Xiaoning, the CPECC’s executive director, the organization will maintain an even more open and inclusive mindset and continue to go global, seizing the opportunities presented by the BRI.