Text by Chu Jiwang

The global financial crisis has been affecting businesses both in China and abroad. Confidence is tremendously important during a financial downturn. Due to my busy schedule, I never thought I'd find the chance to travel to Argentina. However, last August, when the Argentina Logistics and Material Distribution Exhibition was held, one of my regular clients invited me and my son to visit the country. We decided to make the trip.

After 26 hours on planes and several additional hours waiting in German and Brazilian airports, we finally arrived in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. At age 71, I felt exhausted, longing for my younger days. But, oddly, sometimes psychology plays a larger role than you might think. It can determine whether you are young or old. Thus, I made myself believe I was 17 again, when I could easily overcome fatigue. Vegetation in Buenos Aires was sparse, and the contrast between newer areas and old was stark. The sights were reminiscent of China's first few years after reform and opening-up. Argentina has a promising future, and I eagerly anticipated the exhibition ¨C businessmen always look harder at less developed markets.

We set off for the exhibition the next day. The president and CEO of the company that invited us were hospitable. My company's products were already on display in the exhibition area when we arrived. I felt proud to see my trademark, "Xilin", displayed so far away from home. In a sense, the Argentina Logistics and Material Distribution Exhibition mirrored a beauty pageant. Renowned enterprises from all over the world exhibited their favorite products, and spectators chose the best. My company, Ningbo Ruyi Joint Stock Company, also sent our best products to Argentina. Our flagship product, hand hydraulic carriers, attracted the spotlight during the exhibition, bringing us many new clients as well as a great sense of pride for me and my son.

During the exhibition, three journalists and a photographer from Argentina's La Naci¨®n interviewed me. A Buenos Aires-based TV station broadcast a report on our exhibition. The interview with La Naci¨®n impressed me a lot. They asked my opinion as to why China has been developing so fast, based on my own experience. I used the story of my company to illustrate the achievements of China's reform and opening-up. I established the company in the early 1980s, shortly after China introduced reform and opening-up, and it developed over time. Chinese products came to be known for good quality at reasonable prices, and were soon well received around the world. Chinese wisdom, diligence, and endurance in the face of hardship consistently impressed those from other lands. The journalists seemed very happy with the interview, and published it in the newspaper, helping Argentineans better understand China and building a bridge of friendship between the two peoples.

During the exhibition, we received many orders, which made me and my son happy. After the exhibition, our host arranged for us to tour the country. It was a precious experience for me. If it wasn't for my persistence in business, I would never find the chance to travel to South America.

I was also greatly impressed by a tango performance arranged by a business partner. On the way to the performance, the wife of one of my clients complained to me about her husband. "Since my husband began to do business with China, he has been so busy that he is rarely at home," she lamented. "He used to always spend time with me and our kids."