Iranian businessman Hamid Dehgh (right) teaches Chinese to children from Middle Eastern nations at a service center for expats in Yiwu, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hamid Dehgh, a businessman from Iran, said he is not a guest in the city but a local who enjoys giving back to society during an interview conducted by local media on Nov 3.

Hamid came to Yiwu in 2003 and has been running a silk scarf business in Yiwu for 14 years. In 2007, Dehgh and his wife, a Chinese woman, established a trading company, the first to be founded by a foreigner with import-export rights in the city.

"You can find everything you need at the local market, and the city's trade and logistics services cover almost any city on the planet," said Hamid when asked why he chose to settle down in Yiwu instead of Beijing or Hangzhou.

He added that his faith in the city was confirmed when he saw its diverse international communities, open and inclusive living environment, and preferential policies for expats.

"The removal of the residence certificate requirement in business registration is a good example," said the Iranian businessman, "Filling out a letter of commitment can free you from the troubles of preparing a pile of certificates."

Headquartered in Yiwu, Hamid's company has opened branches in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and expanded its business to other cities in Asia, Europe and North America.

In his spare time, the Hamid likes fishing and car racing. He said fishing strengthens his willpower, and racing reminds him to speed up when others slow down.

Hamid also speaks six languages, including Chinese, Arabian, and Japanese, and is often participates in public services, especially to mediate disputes between expats and locals who speak different languages.

"I am not a guest in the city, but a local who likes to help out," he said.

Since 2019, Hamid has organized several Chinese language training sessions for foreign merchants, free of charge. He is also planning to offer English training to native merchants and foreign merchants who do not speak English.

Yiwu, the world's largest small commodity market and transfer hub, has made possible the success of Hamid and many other expats.

According to the municipal public security bureau, the city has around 15,000 foreign residents from more than 100 countries, and receives more than 550,000 overseas visits every year.