Scholar's startups

Adnan Hafeez's family and friends expected him to be a doctor when he chose to study in China in 2005. However, when he graduated with a master's in medicine (orthopedic surgery) from Dalian Medical University nine years later, he decided to set up Felpa International Trading Co Ltd, a business engaged in trade between China and Pakistan.

"There're so many opportunities between the two countries, especially those stimulated by China's Belt and Road Initiative. I'm trying to be a bridge," the 30-year-old Pakistani said in fluent Mandarin at his office in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province. Currently, he owns two businesses, the other being Linden Business Consultant Co Ltd, a firm focused on intermediary services between the two countries.

In January 2017, Hafeez took three Chinese companies to Pakistan and won a bid for a municipal project in Karachi.

"The modes of thinking as a doctor and businessman are different, let alone setting up a company in a foreign country," he said.

From his side, he displayed passion, trustworthiness and fluent Mandarin skills. The local government offered supporting policies, which helped Hafeez overcome capital shortage eight months after the company registration.

He started a pro bono office at the Shengheshu University Graduates Entrepreneurial Park in Zhongshan District of Dalian's central business district, where annual office rent works out to about 100,000 yuan ($14,960).

"Young entrepreneurs can communicate with each other and get some guidance here, and thus grow fast in the infant stage," said Hafeez.

When his company became stable, he cooperated with the park and local government institutions to help foreign students in China to set up their companies in Dalian.

They built the International Entrepreneurs Corridor, modeled on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. Currently, there are three firms established by students from other countries such as France and Canada.

"There're so many opportunities in China. More and more foreign students are choosing to stay in China to work and start their own business after graduation," said Hafeez.