摘要："I am impressed to see the future of automobiles. I have been driving for more than 45 years, so it's fascinating to witness the e

"I am impressed to see the future of automobiles. I have been driving for more than 45 years, so it's fascinating to witness the evolution of cars," said Rosalind Oliver, a British national and founder and director of the Shanghai-based Double Dragon Alliance Cultural Center, during a recent visit to the Changan Automobile Global R&D Center in Chongqing, southwest China.

Oliver was one of 23 judges from 10 countries who took part in the Second Orchid Awards Jury Meeting, held Friday in Beijing. Launched by the China International Communications Group, the Orchid Awards honor individuals and organizations worldwide who are committed to promoting Chinese culture and advancing intercultural exchange and mutual learning.

As part of the program, the jury visited Changan Automobile to learn about China's newest advances in automotive technology. Changan leads the industry in open patents for intelligent vehicle technology. All its models launched since 2020 are equipped with advanced connectivity features. The company also mass-produces 26 advanced technologies, including intelligent driving, interactive features and control systems.

Reflecting on her experience, Oliver noted the dramatic transformation of the automobile industry. "When I first started driving, you had to do everything yourself, and the car had no intelligent features," she said.

She also expressed regret over the decline of Britain's once-prominent car industry, which now faces a lack of investment and aging infrastructure. "Many of our old companies were taken over by firms in Germany, America and Japan," she added.

Nakano Satoshi examines the interior of a Changan model at the Changan Automobile Global R&D Center in southwest China's Chongqing, May 24, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Nakano Satoshi, senior director of the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association, remarked on China's rapid progress in electric vehicles. "Japan might be slightly behind," he acknowledged.

Last year, more than 100 Japanese university students from his association visited a car factory in Hebei province, where they saw the compact "Panda" model. "It would be very popular in Japan," he said, noting how Japan's urban density makes small vehicles appealing.

Rosalind Oliver (R) and Elsawy Elsawy Ahmed photograph a concept vehicle at the Changan Automobile Global R&D Center in southwest China's Chongqing, May 24, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Elsawy Elsawy Ahmed, advisor on China-Egypt relations at Egypt's Benha University and secretary-general of the Egypt-China Cultural and Educational Friendship Association, said he had heard about Changan many times but was visiting for the first time.

"Every time I return to Egypt, people ask about Chinese cars," he said. "With fuel prices rising, demand for EVs is growing rapidly."

Ahmed expressed his willingness to recommend Chinese-made vehicles, including Changan, to friends and companies in Egypt. He also emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, especially after visiting the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in Chongqing.

"Every year I come to China, and every time I see progress," he said. "Egypt should learn from China's experience in infrastructure."

He noted that China is helping build Egypt's new administrative capital, transforming the desert into a thriving central business district — a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ahmed also mentioned Egypt's plans for a land-based rail corridor to connect with Ethiopia and eventually South Africa, linking the African continent. "China is indispensable in this effort. It will definitely be one of our key partners," he said.

Luis Rogelio Rivero Chong photographs shipping containers at a freight train station in southwest China's Chongqing, May 24, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Mexican archaeologist and cultural heritage expert Luis Rogelio Rivero Chong echoed these views, describing the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor as an innovative initiative.

He noted that Chongqing is capitalizing on this corridor — together with the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Europe Railway Express and the Yangtze River Economic Belt — to develop an integrated, multimodal logistics network.

"Mexico could learn from China's approach to linking commercial centers, enhancing transportation, and expanding trade," he said.

来源：中国网