When Kamila Karamanova left Kazakhstan in 2009 to study in China’s Shandong Province, she never imagined she’d become a living symbol of cross-border connection. Now a long-term resident of the Chinese mainland, she credits the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with weaving her two worlds together like threads in a tapestry. 🌉✨
“The BRI isn’t just about railways or trade deals—it’s about people,” Karamanova shared passionately during her recent speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Forum. Her story of studying Mandarin, embracing local culture, and building a career in China resonated deeply with attendees from over 20 countries.
Since 2013, the BRI has supercharged China-Kazakhstan ties, with bilateral trade hitting $41 billion in 2023. For young professionals like Karamanova, this translates to opportunities ranging from tech startups to cultural exchange programs. 📈💡
“Every container train from Xi’an to Almaty carries more than goods—it carries possibilities,” she added, referencing the New Eurasian Land Bridge that now cuts transit times by 70%. Her journey mirrors the initiative’s ethos: building bridges, not walls.
As night markets in Shandong serve Kazakh-style lamb skewers and Almaty cafes stock Chinese tea, Karamanova’s story reminds us that global connectivity starts with individual connections. 🤝❤️
