Jovana Dubonjac (left), senior business manager at Shandong Hi-Speed Group's Europe company, is interviewed during the 7th China–CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting in Jinan. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Jovana Dubonjac, senior business manager at Shandong Hi-Speed Group's Europe company, received a warm round of applause when she spoke at the opening ceremony of the 7th China–CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting on May 26 in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province. "My fellow Serbians told me after coming back: 'We have fallen in love with Shandong,'" she said in fluent Chinese.

Dubonjac was first introduced to Chinese culture at university. Despite already knowing several European languages, she followed her heart and enrolled in the Confucius Institute at the University of Belgrade. Later, she earned a master's degree from Communication University of China. "Live and learn," she says. "That attitude makes life meaningful."

She has lost count of how many times she has visited Shandong. "Every time feels different, because China develops so fast." At work, she sees no difference between the atmosphere in Chinese and Serbian companies. Every Women's Day, the company prepares gifts for female employees. During Spring Festival, they make dumplings together. "Dedication, focus, and pragmatism are shared values. Shandong Hi-Speed Group is our home — we are one big family."

Looking ahead, Dubonjac wants to improve her Chinese and continue working with Shandong Hi-Speed Group. "I hope to act as a bridge between China and Serbia, contributing to our ironclad friendship," she said.