Not long after moving to Shenzhen, Rita Giménez from Spain visited the Longhua International Cooperation Center (LICC) to register her residence. "I was amazed when I first arrived. I didn't expect to find such an international public organization," Giménez recalled.

Creating unique stories in Shenzhen

Despite being new to Shenzhen, Giménez has been living in China with her family since 2004. She has lived and studied in cities such as Dalian and Shanghai, and earned her master's degree in Political Science and Public Management, specializing in Chinese Politics and Diplomacy at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University. After graduation, she once worked as a policy consultant at Barcelona-based policy and public affairs firm 19N Strategies.

Since connecting with LICC, Giménez has actively participated in various events hosted by the center. She also expressed her best wishes for the first anniversary of LICC, which was celebrated yesterday.

Giménez experiences Chinese calligraphy at a cultural event held by Longhua International Cooperation Center. Photos courtesy of the interviewee

“The existence of LICC is already a significant contribution to making Shenzhen a more international and welcoming city,” Giménez remarked. “I can honestly say that the center has become like my second home in the city.”

Nurturing ambitious entrepreneurs

Giménez started her own business in Shenzhen, with the aim of supporting the internationalization efforts of Chinese companies and entities.

Officially launched Oct. 27, 2023, LICC is the first comprehensive service center in Shenzhen focusing on international cooperation. The center offers one-stop services to expatriate residents, international talents, and local and foreign enterprises, effectively meeting Giménez's needs.

“LICC has also provided me with valuable recommendations for my new company, serving as a connecting platform between me and my future Chinese partners and clients,” she said.

Giménez hoped the center will host more business-related events that help international residents interact with local companies.

Giménez poses for a photo at the launch ceremony of UNDP SDG Innovation Pilot Poject in LICC.

She was invited to attend the launching ceremony of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Innovation Pilot Project (Shenzhen Longhua) at LICC on Aug. 13. The UNDP SDG Innovation Lab (Shenzhen Longhua), or HUA HUB, was established as part of the project.

Giménez praised the establishment of HUA HUB in Shenzhen. “It is an impressive UNDP project for innovation that supports the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), led by Longhua District in collaboration with other regions around the world,” she said. “It's encouraging to see Shenzhen's efforts to partner with cities globally and to innovate together to address shared challenges.”

Interlinking for a shared future

LICC provides residents with one-stop access to foreign-related services and cross-cultural experiences.

To facilitate the integration of Giménez and other newcomers into local life in Shenzhen, the center provides full access to over 335 municipal and district-level government services, including foreigner visas, immigrant integration, legal consultation, international taxation, notary services, outbound business, and more.

Additionally, residents can enjoy a variety of cultural events hosted by LICC, including pour-over coffee tastings, British high tea, Portuguese azulejos workshops, African culture experiences, summer concerts, and guzheng classes.

Giménez participated in traditional Chinese calligraphy and guzheng classes organized by LICC. This August, she had the opportunity to co-organize a Spanish Corner event with LICC, allowing her to share her culture with Longhua residents.

Giménez (3rd L) experiences making a laquered fan at a cultural event organized by LICC.

“I participated in LICC’s Mid-Autumn Festival meet-up, where I engaged in a fan-painting workshop and shared a moment with new friends over tea and mooncakes,” Giménez recalled. “Such activities facilitate communication among people from around the world, allowing me to make friends from China and various nationalities who are also living and working in Shenzhen.”