More than 1,000 workers from Vietnam have come to Guangxi Dongxing Pilot Area since the pilot project to accept foreign migrant workers began in July 2015. The average monthly salary of these workers has doubled since they came to the special zone, reaching around 2,700 RMB. Now, 13 local enterprises are approved to recruit Vietnamese labors.

"The salary here is very attractive for Vietnamese workers, so they cherish the opportunity," said Xiong Yong, HR manager of a company in the pilot zone, adding that the workers are very hard-working and serious about their jobs. In order to provide good work conditions, Xiong said his company prepares light foods, which is favored by many Vietnamese. In addition, foreign employees receive days off on their traditional holidays.

A 35-year-old Vietnamese woman named Le Thi Hong has been working in the company for three years. She said she barely had any income in her own country, where she worked as a farmer, but now she earns as much as 2,000 RMB per month. Most importantly, the distance between her workplace and hometown is not so great, meaning she can return home any time she needs to.

"I have a great life here, and I have a good relationship with my colleagues," Le said, emphasizing that her quality of life has clearly improved.

Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, border trade between China and Vietnam has seen great development. The border city Dongxing saw 102.9 percent growth in bilateral trade with Vietnam in 2016, with the total trade volume reaching 12 billion RMB. Now, more and more foreign employees like Le will be able to work in China, enjoying the benefits brought by the initiative.