International students participate in a matchmaking event with Chinese enterprises operating abroad. [Photo/WeChat account: ntjoy2012]

More than 300 international students from over 30 countries gathered in Nantong on May 22 for a matchmaking event with local companies expanding into global markets.

The event brought together students from countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Russia, and South Africa, as well as representatives of Nantong's export-oriented and overseas-investing enterprises.

More than 30 companies participated in the recruitment event, including ZTT Group and Xinfu Food. Many firms are looking for professionals who possess both language skills and a deep understanding of overseas markets.

Xinfu Food, a producer of processed seaweed products exported to markets including Russia, the United States, Australia, South Africa and the European Union, is currently accelerating its international expansion. Facing rising tariffs and shifting global trade dynamics, the company is exploring overseas production facilities and has an increasing demand for internationally minded talent.

According to the company's general manager Yin Genqun, students attending the event demonstrated strong academic backgrounds and offered valuable insights into the business environments and market conditions of their home countries. Within just half an hour, the company was able to reach preliminary internship agreements with several of the students.

For the students, the event provided direct access to career opportunities. A student from Laos said the positions offered by participating companies aligned closely with personal career goals and expressed hope of serving as a bridge for cultural and business exchanges between China and Laos.

The initiative reflects Nantong's growing efforts to support both international education and business globalization. Nantong Vocational University currently hosts 305 international students from 15 countries. The institution has established overseas training programs such as the Jiangsu-Namibia Zheng He College and the China-Vietnam Craftsman College in partnership with Luxshare Precision Industry, helping prepare talent for Chinese enterprises operating abroad.