STORY: BRI helps improve economies, provide jobs for locals: Pakistani expat
DATELINE: Sept. 5, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:20
LOCATION: HARBIN, China
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Adnan Abbas
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ADNAN ABBAS, Pakistani student in China
3. various of Adnan Abbas
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ADNAN ABBAS, Pakistani student in China

STORYLINE:

As a Pakistani born in 1992, Adnan Abbas came to China in 2013 for postgraduate studies in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

He explained why China was the natural choice for him, who is now a doctoral student at Harbin University of Science and Technology. 

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ADNAN ABBAS, Pakistani student in China
"The reason I chose China is multifaceted. Firstly, China's economy is thriving. Secondly, the quality of life here is good. Thirdly, there are more job opportunities after graduation compared with other countries. Fourthly, it's especially safe here."

Adnan shared his take on the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), saying that it helps drive development in Pakistan.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ADNAN ABBAS, Pakistani student in China
"In recent years, the Belt and Road Initiative has developed rapidly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned to Pakistan and worked on a BRI project and I worked there for over two years. I think the BRI involves many countries, and these countries' economies are improving, providing many job opportunities for local people. The relationship between Pakistan and China is very good. I hope that the bilateral relationship will be even better, their economies will prosper, and their cooperation will become even closer, benefiting their people more."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Harbin, China.
(XHTV)