German engineer gets first ever 'green card' in C. China

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Europe

02:19

Many foreigners who permanently move to China typically settle in the nation's big cities. But the smaller city of Zhuzhou in central China's Hunan Province, just welcomed its first such permanent transplant. It's a homecoming 16 years in the making.

Norbert Knuetter first came to China in 2002. A welding engineer from Germany, Norbert now works for a company that builds rail lines and maglev trains. He admits back then when his boss first asked him to work in China, he said no.

"I told him sorry no way, no way, I don't have any experience with Chinese guys. I have no knowledge about China, and nothing. No," says Norbert.

But after thinking about it, he changed his mind. Norbert spent time working with a group of 15 Chinese welders, and learned more about the country and its people.

Norbert Knuetter is awarded the Certificate of Friendship by China. /CGTN Photo

He recounted that they had a lot of lunches and dinners together, through which he gained more knowledge about China. "Finally I told him okay for three months I will go to China," he said.

The months turned into years, and now Norbert's been here for over a decade and a half. His personal life also followed suit. He married a Chinese woman and they have a daughter. He now lives like a local in Hunan Province.

"If you have a problem in China you organize a meeting and then the next meeting, then the biggest manager can solve this problem. In Germany just one meeting and then you finish," Norbert said.

He said he must understand and accept the differences, since he works for a Chinese company. He has become more patient with his co-workers. Extraordinary contributions to China have brought him many awards, including what he calls his most memorable experience: winning a friendship certificate from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Norbert Knuetter enjoys family time in Zhuzhou City, central China's Hunan Province. /CGTN Photo

"I've met him four times. The second time when I saw him in Zhuzhou, I told him 'nihao, laopengyou' ('hello, my old friend'), he was surprised and said 'oh why?' "

This June, Norbert finally got a Chinese green card, meaning he is now a permanent Chinese resident. He says his daily life and work are much easier: he no longer needs to fill out documents in order to renew his visa every year. But he adds that there's more to it: a stronger sense of belonging.

Norbert says he is a happy man - with a good career in China, and a sweet family in Zhuzhou.