Ariful Islam, a Bangladeshi graduate student in the International Chinese Education program at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, has lived in China for five years and volunteered at the China International Import Expo for two consecutive years, contributing over 200 hours of translation services.

His story is not only about volunteering but also about personal growth. Last year, at the Bangladesh pavilion of the 7th CIIE last year, Ariful donned the distinctive volunteer vest and seamlessly switched between Chinese and Bengali to help business representatives from both countries communicate.

At the 8th CIIE this year, he continued to use his language skills and friendly demeanor to foster cross-cultural friendship, embodying the spirit of dedication, friendship, mutual assistance, and progress that defines the expo's volunteers.

Reflecting on his volunteer journey, Ariful said that promoting trade between China and Bangladesh gave him a deep sense of pride and made his work truly meaningful.

During his first CIIE, he helped a Bangladeshi merchant reach a cooperation agreement with a Chinese buyer. The negotiation lasted from 9 am to 2 pm. He wasn't just translating product details but also conveying Chinese values of sincerity and long-term partnership. When the two sides finally shook hands, he was moved to tears.

For Ariful, volunteering offers a window through which he caught a glimpse into China's innovative engagement with the world. As the CIIE continues to evolve, volunteers are becoming increasingly professional. To provide better service and present a positive image, Ariful has been honing his skills, acquiring relevant knowledge, participating in training, and striving for excellence in every task.

He said he believe that volunteerism is a bond that brings people closer and makes the world a better place. After graduation, he hopes to bring this spirit of volunteerism back to Bangladesh.

As an international student, he was impressed by both the CIIE and Qingpu district. He described the CIIE as a grand global showcase of technology and innovation, where he could see cutting-edge products in person that he had previously only seen in images. Qingpu, in his eyes, is a beautiful place to live and work, offering a pleasant environment, fresh air, and efficient transportation.

During the CIIE, the enthusiasm and professionalism of volunteers and staff working together in a spirit of collaboration inspired Ariful and taught him valuable lessons in teamwork. He has also transformed from an introverted student into a confident communicator, engaging in cross-cultural exchanges with people from around the world.

From the Bay of Bengal to the Huangpu River, from the translation desk to the negotiation table, Ariful Islam's story is a vivid reflection of the CIIE's theme — openness, cooperation, win-win partnership, and responsibility.

Source: Official WeChat account of Green Qingpu at "iloveqingpu"