After living and working in Shenzhen for a year, Romain D’Inca, from France, observed that while the city may not be the best place to explore China’s historical heritage, it is an excellent destination for expats seeking career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and a relaxed, modern lifestyle.

Romain D’Inca poses for a photo in his Shenzhen office. Courtesy of the interviewee

D’Inca arrived in Shenzhen in April 2024 to take a position at the France China Electricity Partnership Association (Partenariat France Chine électricité, PFCE). Initially, Shenzhen wasn’t his planned career destination. But when the opportunity arose, he decided to begin his professional journey in the city.

Curiosity about Asia

D’Inca’s interest in Asia began during his second year of university, when interactions with foreign classmates and exposure to different cultures sparked his curiosity about the region.

His experience with China started even before his professional career, through academic studies in the country. After completing his bachelor’s degree in France, D’Inca took a gap year to study Chinese at Qingdao University in Shandong Province. He later pursued an MBA program at the Tsing Hua University in Taiwan.

Before settling in Shenzhen, D’Inca explored several other Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, and even visited Inner Mongolia. Ultimately, the job opportunity at PFCE brought him to Shenzhen.

Making the world greener

Founded in 1997 in Shenzhen's Futian District by électricité de France (EDF), PFCE promotes Sino-French cooperation in nuclear energy and supports the sustainable involvement of both large and small French companies in China’s nuclear sector. It also seeks to expand partnerships with Chinese institutions and stakeholders in the nuclear sector.

PFCE currently brings together more than 40 French companies, covering every aspect of the nuclear power plant life cycle.

D’Inca sees this cooperation as essential — not just for France and China, but for the world. He emphasizes the role of nuclear energy as a low-carbon solution in the fight against climate change.

As PFCE’s chief representative in China, D’Inca takes pride in reinforcing Franco-Chinese cooperation in the nuclear field. “With nuclear power accounting for 67% of France’s electricity power generation and the country’s deep expertise in the field, I’m proud to contribute to making the world greener.”

Much of D’Inca’s work involves serving as a bridge between the two countries and their companies, with a focus on interpersonal and intercultural communication. When it comes to international cooperation, he highlights the importance of cultural adaptation and mutual respect.

D’Inca particularly enjoys meeting new contacts and sharing knowledge through business meetings and visits. In November 2024, he took part in the 3rd Shenzhen International Nuclear Energy Industry Innovation Expo. He will also attend the China International Exhibition on Nuclear Power Industry (CIENPI) in Beijing this April.

One key aspect of his role is organizing delegation tours for senior executives. Though logistically complex, he finds the successful execution of these events especially rewarding.

Impressions of Shenzhen

Shenzhen’s cleanliness made a strong impression on D’Inca. “The city’s taxis and public buses are all electric. Factories are located a bit farther out and are equipped with filters. The decarbonized energy produced by nearby power plants also helps,” he said.

He also praised the city’s efficiency. “Shenzhen is very new and modern. New technologies were often first developed here — it’s like a lab for all of China.”

Another word D’Inca uses to describe the city is diversity. “People in Shenzhen come from all over China, which offers a great opportunity to learn about various Chinese traditions in one place.”

The night views of Shenzhen’s CBD areas reminded him of the film “Blade Runner.” “In that sense, the city feels futuristic, especially with advanced technologies like flying vehicles and delivery drones. The younger generation also brings in fresh ideas,” D’Inca said.

He added that daily life in Shenzhen is both convenient and comfortable, thanks to its efficient delivery systems, modern public transportation, and clean environment.

Looking ahead, D’Inca said, “If I can, I will stay in this city.”