[Vietnam] Duong Phuong Thao, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan

From the sound of camel bells to the high-speed trains; from setting the sail to voyage around the world; from good neighborliness and friendship to supporting neighbors’ development, the Chinese nation continues to write the legend of the greatest country on the Silk Road in the river of history. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed cooperation initiatives to build the “New Silk Road Economic Belt” and the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” in 2013. Today, a grand picture of the “Belt and Road Initiative” has slowly been unfolded towards Vietnam. This road not only connects you and me, but also promotes the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind and accelerates the pace of eradicating world poverty.

In the summer of 2022, under the recommendation of a friend, I was fortunate enough to work at the PowerChina International Group as an internship, participating in PowerChina’s “Belt and Road” wind power plant construction project in Vietnam. This is an important project undertaken by a Chinese company in Ca Mau Province, the southernmost tip of Vietnam. The project will expand the development of clean energy in Vietnam in hope of solving the increasing demand of electricity for local residents and factories. After the project is completed, it will become the largest wind farm in Asia.

We go together through thick and thin and build our dreams together. As a Vietnamese student studying abroad, I participated in an internship in PowerChina Ca Mau Offshore Wind Power Project in Vietnam. This experience is of great significance to me. I witnessed the close cooperation and progress between Chinese and Vietnamese engineers and technicians. Together they solved various challenges, from designing to constructing, each step requiring precise planning and close cooperation. I was deeply moved by the teamwork and professionalism. This not only had a positive impact on my life, but also made me deeply feel the value of teamwork and the China-Vietnam friendship.

During my internship, I participated in the lifting work of wind turbines. On that day, we worked together until the last turbine rose into the blue sky. At the completion ceremony, I worked as the interpreter for the general manager of PowerChina Vietnam Branch. I was naturally excited and my interpretation was also impassioned. Later I was praised by both Chinese and Vietnamese leaders and colleagues, as well as recognized by the general manager. At that moment, my heart was full of joy and pride. What I am happy about is my small personal growth and progress, and I am proud that I participated in this great work!

The project, which has brought a large number of employment opportunities to the surrounding communities, not only brings benefits to the local people, but also promotes the economic prosperity of the entire region. The project team also provided assistance to residents and schools in poor areas there, all of which demonstrated China’s demeanor as a great country.

This internship not only had a profound impact on my professional career, but also had a positive significance for my future life. Through cooperation with the PowerChina team, I learned the importance of communicating and cooperating with others, and developed my problem-solving abilities. I realized the power of teamwork. Only by uniting and working together can we climb the peak of technology. I also understand the responsibility of a big country. Chinese state-owned enterprises not only shoulder the important responsibility of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, but also sow the seeds of love and hope in friendly neighboring countries, pay down-to-earth attention to the local people’s livelihood and improve the living standards of people without asking for anything in return.

Looking back on this internship experience, I feel very emotional. I firmly believe that the Belt and Road Initiative will bring more opportunities to Vietnam and other participating countries, and will also provide broader development space for international students. I am lucky enough to study at China University of Geosciences, thanks to the educational cooperation of the BRI. Not only do we not need to pay expensive international tuition fees, but the school also provides us with a lot of living subsidies and supports every month. This is really a valuable learning opportunity for students like us whose families are not wealthy. I sincerely appreciate the beautiful encounter with China, and I will devote my life to contributing to China-Vietnam friendship.