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.

Participants pose for a photo at the awards ceremony of the 2023 "Hello Longhua" Expats Vlog Competition at the Longhua International Cooperation Center. Photos courtesy of LICC

Despite being new to Shenzhen, Giménez has been living in China with her family since 2004. It didn’t take long for her to integrate into local life, as she became an active participant in various activities hosted by LICC. “It was truly wonderful to meet the team at LICC early in my move to Shenzhen. I can confidently say that the center has become my second home in the city,” she said.

Officially launched Oct. 27, 2023, LICC is a comprehensive service center focused on enhancing international cooperation between Shenzhen and the global community in areas such as the economy, trade, science and technology, education, and culture. It offers one-stop, multilingual services to local and international talent, enterprises, and institutions.

New storytelling gateway

Upon seeing an exhibition on the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the LICC lounge, along with UN flags that adorn the entire facility, anyone new to the center may wonder about the collaboration that has been achieved between Shenzhen and the UN.

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

During the launch ceremony, Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative for China, stated in her speech that the establishment of HUA HUB will serve as a testing ground for implementing sustainable development solutions and addressing shared challenges in the context of a megacity.

Rita Giménez at the launch ceremony of the The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sustainable Development Goals Innovation Pilot Project (Shenzhen Longhua) on Aug. 13. Photos courtesy of the interviewee

The lab is set to create innovative collaboration between regional governments and international institutions by establishing an international cooperation platform.

LICC also plays an active role in sharing Shenzhen’s stories with foreign delegations and fostering the city’s international friendships. Since its official launch, it has received envoys and government delegations from over 80 countries and regions. It has also witnessed the establishment of friendly exchange relations between Longhua and the municipality of Alenquer in Portugal, as well as with the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) in the United Arab Emirates.

Building connections for a shared future

Kenyan Dhruv Bharat Shah graduated from Shenzhen University in July and currently works as a business manager for a tech company in Nanshan. Like many foreigners, Shah faced difficulties when he applied to switch his student residence permit to a work residence permit.

To overcome those challenges, he participated in an LICC event focused on assisting foreigners living in Shenzhen with the visa process this June. Fortunately, he had his questions answered by a speaker who had been invited by the city’s public security bureau.

From resident registration for newcomers like Giménez to resolving visa issues for Shah and other international students seeking jobs in Shenzhen, LICC provides access to over 335 municipal and district-level government services. These services include foreigner visas, immigrant integration, legal consultation, international taxation, notary services, and outbound business. So far, the center has handled over 5,300 foreign-related business consultations.

Expats communicate with a staffer from LICC. Wang Haolan

“LICC offers essential guidance on common challenges that foreigners often face, such as visa and tax-related matters,” said Syrian software developer Louay Ali Dib, who also actively participates in LICC events. “What I appreciate about the center is its commitment to support beyond its own services, which contributes to a more integrated and globally minded community,” he said.

In addition to seeking services, 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 at the center. She also had the opportunity to co-organize a Spanish Corner event with LICC, which allowed her to share her culture with Longhua residents.

From local to global, and vice versa

The Industry Outbound Alliance of Longhua District was officially launched during the Longhua District Outbound Enterprises Exchange Conference, which took place at the LICC on Sept. 26.

During the event, the district released a service list to facilitate the global business operations of local companies and signed a strategic cooperation agreement with multinational insurance firm Chubb Limited. This partnership will provide insurance and technological support to local enterprises as they develop new business models and expand internationally.

The Industry Outbound Alliance of Longhua District is officially launched during the Longhua District Outbound Enterprises Exchange Conference, which took place at the LICC on Sept. 26. Wang Haolan

Jiang Fei, general manager of China National Building Material Overseas Economic Cooperation Co., Ltd., was appointed as one of Longhua District’s outbound business consultants. “It is essential for us, as outbound enterprises, to follow the guidance of the district government and establish an alliance where we can support and empower one another while exploring overseas markets,” Jiang stated.

In addition to assisting with the outbound business of local enterprises, LICC has actively served as a bridge between local businesses and international institutions.

Furthermore, LICC regularly hosts project roadshows, policy briefings, and international business conferences to help local enterprises discover potential clients and business opportunities. It has serviced over 2,500 enterprises and institutions from both domestic and international backgrounds. The center has also cooperated with more than 300 international organizations, as well as foreign business associations, from countries including Finland, Portugal, Australia, and France.

Giménez has started her own business in Shenzhen, the purpose of which is to support the internationalization efforts of Chinese companies and entities. “LICC has provided me with valuable recommendations for my new company, as the center serves as a connecting platform between me and my future Chinese partners and clients,” she said. “I would also love to see more business-related events that facilitate interaction between international residents and local and national companies in the future.”