Ammar's Silk Road dream
- By staff reporter Li Ying
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Settling Down in China
After receiving his doctorate degree in 2013, Ammar decided to settle down in Yiwu (a small city in Zhejiang Province) instead of in bigger cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The small commodity market in Yiwu is honored by the United Nations, the World Bank, and Morgan Stanley as the world's largest wholesale market of general merchandise. Every year the market attracts numerous merchants and customers from all over the world. More than 15,000 overseas businessmen stay in Yiwu long-term for procurement. Living in harmony while making progress together, people from over 100 countries and regions have brought diversified cultures, lifestyles, and thinking to this city. As one of the foreign businessmen in Yiwu, Ammar spares no effort in promoting the culture of the Silk Road while pursuing his own dream.
"To me, Yiwu is a kind of paradise where I have lots of friends and I can enjoy great food," Ammar commented. "I love the city's local customs and its cosmopolitan vibe. Another reason I chose to settle down in Yiwu was because of its openness and inclusivity."
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Ammar Albaadani often makes use of his medical knowledge to help out at voluntary medical consultations. |
When he first moved to the city, Ammar helped his friend manage a company. A year later, he established his own firm as a venture in foreign trade. Starting a business is not easy. Ammar found it very challenging looking for suppliers and procuring commodities. Fortunately, difficulties can be overcome with a little help from the tight-knit international community in this small city. In return, Ammar teaches his friends Chinese via instant messaging app WeChat. He often posts practical conversations and the stories behind Chinese idioms.
"My company has now developed along the right track and seen its business grow," Ammar said. In addition to great friends and good food, Yiwu also means career and family to him. "My son Adde was born in Hangzhou and my other son, Deeya, was born in Yiwu. My wife and children are fond of Yiwu. We are relatively new residents of this city and enjoy life here."
Ammar first arrived in China at the age of 18 and has lived here now for 20 years. He feels half of him is "made in China." "I have spent more time in China than I have in Yemen. I hope my children can make a life for themselves in this country too because we feel at home in China."
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