This photo taken on April 29, 2024 shows the Experience Center of the Central European Trade and Logistics Cooperation Zone (CECZ) in Budapest, Hungary. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)
TIANJIN, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Markos Milan, a student from Hungary, has a particular interest in international finance and business. In September 2023, he traveled to China to fulfill a "long-cherished wish": to gain an all-round understanding of the country.
"China has a significant role in the global economy. However, before I embarked on my 'business trip,' I knew almost nothing about China. I needed to see it for myself," he said.
He started his career at an international accounting and finance organization in Budapest, which motivated him to seek opportunities to broaden his mind and observe the international business environment from a different perspective.
Having traveled extensively throughout Europe and yearning to immerse himself in a culture vastly different from those he knew, he resolved to pursue a course of study in China. He opted for the one-year International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) program at Tianjin University in Tianjin, a bustling port city in north China.
"I have already experienced the advantages of the relationship between China and Hungary, starting with the Budapest-Beijing direct flight. Chinese people have always welcomed me as a friend," he said.
In addition to business studies, Markos has taken intensive classes in the Chinese language, while always seeking opportunities to put his knowledge to use in ways that benefit both Hungary and China.
In Hong Kong and Shanghai, he gained an insight into China's financial sector. "One of my good friends introduced me to representatives of a leading international insurance company in Hong Kong. We discussed engaging ideas related to the insurance industry," he said.
He also gained insights into China's rich culture and long history through visits to Beijing, northwest China's city of Xi'an, and east China's city of Suzhou. He was impressed by the role played by the city of Shenzhen in fostering innovation and the start-up community, while the Tsingtao Beer Museum in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, gave him an insight into the beer industry.
On his travels around China, Markos has seized every opportunity to engage with locals, chatting with taxi drivers, open-air market vendors, students, researchers and executives at various companies.
"Exploring different regions of China was essential for me," he said. His proficiency in the Chinese language improved with each trip.
His formal studies at Tianjin University have taught him a great deal about Chinese companies. "Discussing business topics with my Chinese classmates, participating in projects, and giving presentations has provided me with a deeper understanding of the Chinese business landscape," he said.
He actively sought out opportunities to attend classes that required higher levels of Chinese proficiency. "My ambition led me to the classes that prepare students for the advanced proficiency language exam. I feel that good language skills and effective communication are crucial in conducting international business," he said.
Markos will take his final Chinese language exams this summer, and hopes to bring his language skills to the level required to conduct business negotiations. Meanwhile, he is working to further improve his knowledge of China's financial industry.
"I am actively expanding my network in China and seeking opportunities to cooperate with Chinese organizations to create value for both China and Hungary," he said.
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