Turkish expat pursues his dream in Ningbo

Erdem Ozturk (left) poses for a photo with his girlfriend in front of a sunflower field in Xiafengcha village, Ninghai county, Ningbo. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Erdem Ozturk from Turkiye has been living in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province for 10 years. The city's hospitality, congenial business climate and tasty food were what convinced him to stay and pursue his dream in the city.

Ozturk first arrived in Ningbo in 2013 before setting up his own business in 2021 after witnessing the great economic growth potential of the city. His company trades machines and steel, and also helps overseas brands enter China through cross-border e-commerce.

In April 2021, Ozturk was invited by Ningbo to act as an overseas communication officer for the city. During his free time, the Turkish would explore different places in Ningbo and share his experiences via social media platforms.

Ozturk recently even contacted the government of his hometown – Bursa in Turkiye - and suggested that it establish a sisterhood relationship with Ningbo.

The two cities, he said, share many similarities.

"I can say, except language, there're not too many differences with my hometown. They are both industrial cities, they have agriculture, and the people are also hospitable," he said.

In terms of food, Ozturk noted that people from his hometown and Ningbo eat mostly seafood, though the cooking methods in the two places are different. His favorite dishes in Ningbo include huangyu (yellow croaker), congyou huage (boiled clams with scallion) and qiangxie (pickled crabs).

The Turkish expat said he is happy working and living in Ningbo, and named a few reasons why he chose to stay in the city.

"Ningbo is a coastal city, a business hub, a sports center, (and) an outdoor activities center. It is many things combined into one," he said.