Peruvian engineer drawn to Shenzhen by its natural charm and urban vibrancy

Over the decades, China and Peru have deepened their cooperation and cultural exchanges, leading many Peruvians to explore opportunities in China for business and other pursuits.

Christian Virrueta, a Peruvian engineer, shared his journey to China and why he decided to stay. "I discovered that China offers state-of-the-art laboratories with substantial support for research and development, which motivated me to pursue a master's degree at Huazhong University of Science and Technology."

In early 2022, Virrueta began working as a field service engineer for BGI Genomics, a leading Chinese life sciences company. His role involves providing technical support and training for clients in machinery maintenance and repair, which has taken him around the world.

"I've been involved in collaborative bioscience projects, including recent work with BGI Genomics at a new clinical laboratory in Uruguay. This facility supports preventive medicine and early disease diagnosis, offering services like non-invasive prenatal genetic testing and early screening for colorectal cancer," says Virrueta.

He noted that collaboration between China and Peru in bioscience has strengthened over the years, benefiting both countries through shared resources, expertise and technology.

Virrueta highlighted how China's leadership in biotechnology and Peru's unique biodiversity create a powerful partnership, especially in advancing healthcare and early disease detection. He has observed increased collaboration that allows both countries to address public health challenges through cutting-edge research, technology and innovation.

Referring to the people he met in China as "amigo" and "amiga," Virrueta noted the warmth of Chinese greetings, similar to how he would greet friends back home. He found that both Chinese and Peruvian cultures share strong family-centered traditions.

"One of my most memorable experiences was during my studies when I was invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year festival. I joined people I didn't know – they were my friend's family – but they treated me like one of their own. We ate together and laughed together. It was unforgettable and reminded me of my experiences back home," he said.

Virrueta also sees similarities between Lima and Shenzhen, with both cities serving as hubs of innovation and opportunity where people embrace progress, change and new ideas. He feels that the natural charm combined with urban vitality in each city gives them a familiar and comforting feel despite the geographical distance.