Working overseas brings sense of accomplishment

Xu Peipei of Dalian, Liaoning province, holds a special affection for Peru, where she worked for nearly four years.

"The natural environment in the capital, Lima, is particularly good. Standing by the Pacific Ocean, listening to the sound of waves and watching local surfers — it feels cozy to reminisce about it," said Xu, 42.

"Moreover, Lima rarely sees rain, which is extremely friendly for us in construction."

From November 2019 to September 2023, Xu served as head of the Peru project of China Railway No 9 Group's Dalian branch.

She was responsible for project construction management, communication with local partners and government departments, and organization of meals and leisure activities for employees.

During Chinese and Peruvian holidays, they prepared meals and activities for celebrations, allowing employees to better understand each other's cultures and deepen friendships.

"Dumplings are the most popular," said Xu.

The project involved over 300 personnel, including Chinese employees, locally hired managers, and workers. Leading such a big team, Xu upheld the concept of a "family" culture.

During birthdays, Peruvian employees would pool money to buy cakes, and Chinese employees would join in. Chinese employees celebrating birthdays would enjoy longevity noodles.

"It was a great pleasure to work with Xu and the Chinese project team," said Jose Luis Neira, a local manager for the project in Peru.

"They are friendly, professional and trustworthy. Here, we feel a sense of belonging," he said.

Witnessing Chinese employees move from one project to another, some local employees also chose to follow suit.

A local driver in Venezuela later became a foreman, managing a construction team of over 30 people for a project in Bolivia.

"He understands the local customs and our management style, and with his advantages with the Spanish language, he always completes the work quickly and efficiently," Xu said.

Overcoming various challenges and completing projects brought a sense of accomplishment that was unforgettable, she added.

On the border of Peru and Chile, they undertook construction of a nonstop high-speed X-ray customs inspection system, which can rapidly inspect container goods without opening them, and even without stopping vehicles.

Within a mere seven months, construction passed final approval in just one go.

Over the past nine years, Xu has been involved in more than 10 overseas construction projects in countries like Venezuela, Bolivia and Peru.

Her journey carrying out work overseas began in January 2014, when she volunteered to go abroad after the company won a bid for a power plant project in Venezuela.

With the deepening of their overseas business, she frequently traveled between states and cities in Venezuela.

Once, the small plane she was on lost control in midair, suddenly lurching toward the ground.

When asked if she was scared at that moment, she replied, "To say I wasn't scared would be a lie, but since we are here, we must achieve some results."

Facing numerous challenges, Xu said she views pressure as a motivating force.

In September 2023, Xu concluded her overseas work and returned to Dalian to serve as the head of the overseas business development center of the company's Dalian branch. She is engaged in project development involving 25 countries across Asia, Africa, South America and Europe.

"I've had wonderful experiences working abroad. If needed, I won't hesitate to return to front-line overseas construction," she said.