As a design manager working for the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, or CRCC, Marco Franco enjoys his job.

Since Franco joined the Chinese company's Latin American division in 2016, he has been given numerous opportunities to contribute to major projects, gaining rich experience working on engineering projects spanning from his hometown in Bolivia to Mexico and Chile.

"It was very precious for me to be able to work on these projects in different countries with such a big company," said Franco, 46, now an architectural engineer. "I can tell you it's been a very enriching experience, and my professional skills have improved significantly."

In April 2021, CRCC took charge of Chile's Talca-Chillan section, or Taqi section, of the Route 5 highway, using a "build-operate-transfer" model. The section is essential for the country's cherry exports, with 70 to 80 percent of them being sent to China.

"I am the design manager of the project. The first thing we implemented in the project was an automatic toll collection system," Franco said.

"The project also includes numerous service areas where truck drivers can rest or grab food during long drives. We also designed road safety features and a major control center for automatic traffic counting equipment. It was amazing for me and a significant enhancement of my expertise."

Last September, two main toll stations on the Taqi section were completed and put into operation, officially launching the electronic toll system. As a result, travel time on the Taqi section has been reduced by about 30 to 40 minutes, with a 17 percent year-on-year decrease in traffic congestion.

Franco said the shortened travel time has greatly expedited the transportation of cherries, ensuring better quality.

Cooperation between China and Latin America has been deepening through the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative beginning a decade ago, with a huge rise in projects and investment from Chinese companies pouring into the region.

Decent life

As of now, 21 countries in Latin America have joined the BRI, with China emerging as the region's second-largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years.

"Chinese companies including CRCC are bringing more opportunities and benefits to local people. You can find them everywhere. At least in my home country, Bolivia, many Chinese companies are making huge investments that improve the quality of life for the people," he said.

Franco mentioned that some of his former colleagues in Bolivia, like himself, have grown professionally and are now working abroad. He sees this as a positive impact of Chinese companies operating on the continent.

"I have a decent salary and have gained rich experience working in an international company where I have made many Chinese friends. I have also had the opportunity to experience ancient Chinese culture," he said.

Just a few months ago, the CRCC organized a series of events to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. The events included making zongzi, a traditional Chinese sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, which Franco is fond of.

"I am very interested in ancient culture. I have enrolled in a university that offers Mandarin lessons, and I try to improve my language skills every day. Whenever there are festivities or activities related to Chinese culture, I always try to get involved," he said.

One of his biggest regrets, he said, is that he has not been to China yet. But he still hopes to have the opportunity to visit the country one day.