Special visa benefits African students

Hunan has launched a special visa to help international students from Africa start businesses in the province.

Four African international students have each obtained an "entrepreneurship visa" in Hunan, which has paved the way for them to established 14 startups in the International Youth Entrepreneurship Port of the China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone Changsha Area, according to Wang Hao, an official with the China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone Changsha Area.

Previously, international students needed two years of work experience before applying for a work visa in China, which has proved an impediment for them staying in Hunan after graduation, Wang said.

The China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone has the task of building a "demonstrative highland" of cooperation between China and Africa.

Hunan's trade with Africa has grown from 15.08 billion yuan ($2.06 billion) in 2012 to 55.66 billion yuan in 2022, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Hunan's Department of Commerce has projected the province's trade with Africa to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2025, with an annual growth rate above 25 percent.

Sakariye Abdia Hmed from Somalia was the first to get the entrepreneurship visa in Hunan after graduating from Central South University last year.

He started by establishing a trading company last year, selling Hunan products, such as clothes, suitcases and agricultural machines to Somalia. His company has so far realized a total of $400,000 of import and export trade value.

Changsha has offered him the opportunity to develop his business, with favorable policies and help in getting potential clients, he said.

After spending five years in Changsha, he has fallen in love with the city, which has a good climate, delicious food and nice people, he said.

The local government has helped him to establish the company and recommended business partners.

Odjo Rachald from Benin also obtained the special entrepreneurship visa after graduating from Central South University in 2024.

His startup, which is also a trading company selling Hunan products to Africa, was established in August.

He said he has spent four years in Changsha and fallen in love with the city. "Most of my friends are here, so I do not want to move."

He can speak fluent Mandarin and has spent lots of time exploring the city as local people do.

"I am a night person and the rich nightlife in Changsha suits me perfectly, and I enjoy it very much," he said, adding that he considers himself a Changsha local now.

zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn