Chengdu to create better conditions for international students

International students from 30 countries take a photo with local government officials at a recent meeting in Chengdu, Sichuan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"The government departments will strive to create good conditions for international students to study and enjoy life in our city," said Luo Qiang, Mayor of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, at a recent meeting with international students.

Luo met and chatted with 60 international students from 30 countries at the meeting, talking about their study and life in Chengdu. The students came from seven universities in Chengdu, including Sichuan University, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Southwest Jiaotong University, and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics.

"Apart from the current scholarships for international students, we will carry out more favorable policies and provide a better studying and living environment," said Luo.

Luo said he hoped that the international students build a bridge of friendship between Chengdu and their home city, and he also welcomed the students to work or start a business in Chengdu for a shared future.

Veronika Krasnova, who came to Chengdu from Russia last year to study Chinese at Southwest Jiaotong University, said she had met a lot of new friends and had great experience in the city.

"Although I often miss my motherland, Chengdu has become my second hometown, and Southwest Jiaotong University is my second home," she said.

Julien Michel Turlan, who came from France three years ago to study Chinese translation, said he chose Chengdu because of its beautiful scenery and delicious food, as well as its fascinating history and culture.

According to Luo, the mayor, Chengdu is a historical and cultural city and is developing at a high speed. Last year, Chengdu's GDP reached 1.39 trillion ($199.5 billion), ranking second among the provincial capital cities and eighth among all cities in the country.

"Chengdu is also a city with openness and inclusiveness, a city with livability and vitality, and a city full of development potential," he said.

Backed by the great opportunity to implement the "Belt and Road" Initiative, Chengdu is deepening its opening up and becoming more international in an all-round way. The city is expanding international exchanges and cooperation in areas including culture and education, and is attracting an increasing number of international students.