From serving in the Pakistan Navy to becoming a familiar face in Chinese cinemas and a bridge for bilateral trade, Arshad Awan’s 17-year journey in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, embodies the spirit of cross-cultural exchange and seizing opportunities in China. Awan’s deep connection with China began when he first visited Nanjing for military training. Captivated by the country’s potential, he returned after retiring from the navy, initially with the aim of building commercial links between Pakistan and China.

Over the years, the multi-faceted expatriate has worn many hats - teacher, sports coach, business consultant and, unexpectedly, actor, Gwadar Pro reported. “Acting experience is very unique and special for me because I never thought or planned to be an actor,” Awan shared. His entry into the film industry came serendipitously. After his first role, directors recognized his natural talent and encouraged him to pursue acting professionally.

He has since appeared in more than four movies and four TV series, including notable projects like “Cross the Yalu River” and “Detective Chinatown.” He particularly praises the collaborative spirit of the Chinese film industry, where directors also consult international actors for cultural authenticity. “Directors and producers often consult us on cultural elements, and they actively incorporate our input,” he explained. Awan sees his cinematic work as actively “connecting China with the outside world.”

While he has so far worked exclusively in China, he is also receiving acting offers from Pakistan. Parallel to his acting career, Awan is driven by a deeper mission: strengthening Pakistan-China economic ties. He is currently establishing the Pakistan-Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce to bridge a critical gap. “China is Pakistan’s largest investor and trading partner, with the Free Trade Agreement covering thousands of items,” he noted. “Yet many small and medium-sized enterprises still lack direct connections.”

His vision involves creating a platform that enables entrepreneurs from both nations to interact directly, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries. He identifies significant potential in sectors like agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and leather goods. “Pakistan offers direct access to Middle Eastern and African markets, reducing both distance and costs for Chinese businesses,” Awan added, highlighting Pakistan’s strategic geographic advantage.

Inspired by how SMEs have driven China’s remarkable growth over the past 25 years, Awan believes Pakistan can benefit from similar models. He plans to organize regular business delegation exchanges to strengthen these economic bonds. Reflecting on his unexpected career path, Awan observed, “China is a land of opportunity—I simply seized the chances that came my way.” Interestingly, his celebrity status from acting has positively impacted his business endeavors, helping him build trust and expand his network.

Arshad Awan’s bold decision to build a life with his family in China unlocked new horizons for his career and immersed his family in a new cultural world. He enrolled his children in local schools in Nanjing, navigating early language barriers. Today, the results speak for themselves: his daughter is a master's graduate at Nanjing University, building her career in Shanghai; his two sons are now undergraduates at 2 other prestigious Nanjing universities.

This journey of adaptation and achievement inspires other expatriate families. With his wife as the family’s anchor, Awan has thrived professionally, their family finding in Nanjing a comfortable, safe, and welcoming “second home.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China