Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

BEFORE setting foot in this bustling metropolis, Felix Aknin, who hails from Paris, had been captivated by Shenzhen with his mind brimming with visions of a futuristic utopia he had glimpsed in online documentaries.

Aknin was captured by the city of robots, green landscapes, and electronic wonders in Huaqiangbei, where even the notion of flying cars seemed within reach.

His China adventure began through a program between his French alma mater and Shanghai Normal University. After graduation, he secured an internship at the French Chamber of Commerce in South China, which has an office in Shenzhen.

“It was an opportunity for me to go to Shanghai, but I already knew I wanted to go to Shenzhen,” he said.

Shenzhen as a launch pad

In January 2019, he finally stepped into Shenzhen. The onset of COVID-19, however, brought unexpected challenges.

Stranded in France, he was separated from his partner in Shenzhen for three years while he worked at the Bank of China’s Paris branch, gaining valuable legal and compliance knowledge that would later fuel his entrepreneurial endeavors.

With his partner, he launched a business in 2023, acting as an intermediary between foreign companies and Chinese factories. In spring 2024, he returned to Shenzhen, ready to turn his dreams into reality.

Their venture focused on imports and exports, with a special emphasis on quality control and compliance with EU standards — a niche perfectly suited to his skills, as the Parisian is also endeavoring to become a lawyer.

Over the past few years, Aknin’s company has gradually gained ground, helping partners find their own successes. “Our success is really linked with our partners’ success,” he said.

For instance, his company has helped a weather station go from developing a prototype from scratch to upgrading it to a new version. They signed significant contracts in the health and environmental industries, achievements that he finds meaningful.

Nevertheless, Aknin admitted that there was a set of challenges that he would need to navigate. One of the primary hurdles the Parisian faced was the significant knowledge gap between foreign companies and the Chinese market and how to effectively communicate the vast opportunities in China to clients, higher-level managers, CEOs, and executives back in France.

“For me, it’s obvious. But for someone who is in France, the question is — why should I invest in China? So that was a challenge to convince the clients,” Aknin said.

Looking ahead, the French entrepreneur envisions a more sophisticated brand image and a focus on specific products once client acquisition is stable. “We’ll improve our service for our client base, and also maybe focus on some more specific products.”

His advice to fellow expats who also want to start a business in Shenzhen is also clear: Don’t venture alone — leverage the expertise of local professionals and build trust through genuine relationships.

He believes that the secret to thriving in Shenzhen lies in grasping the local culture and business practices, and in forging strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Enjoying life and giving back

According to Aknin, Shenzhen’s rapid evolution has left him in awe. The city’s growth, cultural richness, and friendly atmosphere have made it his favorite place in China.

His love for the country extends beyond business — to the language, food, and even Chinese opera, which moves him to tears with its elaborate costumes, expressive performances, and deep cultural roots. It was as if a door to Chinese culture had been opened, allowing him to connect on a profound level, according to the Parisian.

The city’s cultural tapestry also helps him find a deeper sense of belonging. “There are a lot of cultural events and exhibitions. Shenzhen Daily and some local organizations like the Shekou MSCE also provide a lot of information and even organize some events. Every expat should be aware of them,” Aknin said.

For instance, he has taken part in the Cantonese and Tai Chi classes organized by the Shekou MSCE.

The Parisian disclosed that he plans to give back to the community by organizing a small conference and sharing his insights, eager to contribute to the vibrant expat scene that has welcomed him so warmly.

For Aknin, Shenzhen is more than a thriving city where ambition meets opportunity, it’s a place on par with his hometown Paris where he has found a deep, personal connection to Chinese culture.