Algis Bernotas from Lithuania gives a thumbs up in front of the Ningbo Imported Commodity Center, Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/zjol.com.cn] 

"Ningbo is my second home. It gave me the opportunity to start a business," said Algis Bernotas from Lithuania, who now runs a supply chain service company in the city.

Bernotas traces his bond with Ningbo back to the year 2011 when he encouraged his daughter to apply to the University of Nottingham Ningbo.

"I was obsessed with the city's scenery upon getting off the plane when I sent my daughter to the school for registration. I took the chance to have a tour there and had a good impression," said Bernotas. 

Missing Ningbo so much after returning home, Bernotas agreed without hesitation to move to the city upon an invitation from his daughter after graduation, and started a new life in Ningbo. 

Bernotas and his daughter founded a supply chain service company with the help of the China (Ningbo) Central and Eastern Europe Youth Innovation Center. The company specializes mainly in auto parts export and food import.

"The kind, warm-hearted and hardworking local residents and a sound trade environment made me decide to stay here. The city's advanced manufacturing industry is also helpful for export businesses," said Bernotas.

He moved his company to the innovation center last July. With the assistance of the center, his company gradually got on the right track and managed to sell products to Europe. He also planned to hire some Chinese workers, especially Ningbo citizens, in the future.