The My GBA Stories with the World event is held on July 26. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

A story-sharing event called "My GBA Stories with the World" was held in Guangzhou on July 26.

Nearly 10 foreigners from different countries and regions shared their own "Guangzhou Stories" and "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Stories," exploring how the opening up and prosperity of Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area have affected them.

Guangzhou's thriving business opportunities and livable environment have also attracted business talents from all over the world.

"I believe the Greater Bay Area is a place of future opportunities," said Dr. Harley Seyedin, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, who has lived and worked in Guangzhou for nearly 30 years. In addition to the booming business opportunities here, he praised Guangzhou's education facilities and improving the environment. In his eyes, these are important conditions for attracting foreign enterprises to lay roots in Guangzhou for a long time.

Naddei Umberto, a representative of an Italian company, said, "The Greater Bay Area has many opportunities, with ample space, production capacity, and strong investment and logistics capabilities. It is one of the best areas in the world, allowing people from different countries to do what they can and get something out of it.”

The city's culture and friendly atmosphere are some of the reasons why foreigners fall in love with Guangzhou.

At the meeting, Alexander Lloyd, an American photographer wearing a straw hat and a floral shirt, attracted everyone's attention with his artistic appearance. He also views Guangzhou from a unique perspective.

Lloyd said, "Cantonese opera is one of the most beautiful things I have come across. If someone asks me about Chinese culture, I will show them Cantonese opera because it includes many artistic elements like martial arts, music, poetry, makeup, acrobatics, and costumes. It is a collection of Chinese culture."

He made a metaphor that if a city is a tree, economic vitality is like the fruit and flowers on the tree, but what nourishes everything is the deep-rooted urban culture. "The deeper the foundation is, the more luxuriant the tree will be. Guangzhou people should be proud of their culture," he added.

Oba Kingswill, president of Association Nigerian Community in China, also felt the friendship of the Chinese when he visited China for the first time in 2008. When he was traveling in China, a young lady showed him the way. Many years later, she became his wife.

Foreigners share their Guangzhou stories. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

Alexander Lloyd, an American photographer. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]