In 2026, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Türkiye mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Spanning mountains and seas, these two ancient civilizations have supported one another, with bilateral economic and trade cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges continuing to deepen and deliver tangible results. As a representative Chinese central enterprise with a strong presence in the Turkish market, Harbin Electric International (HEI) uses engineering cooperation as a bond and mutual learning among civilizations as a bridge. The company not only serves as a hands-on builder of project development but also as a committed messenger of China–Türkiye friendship. At this important milestone, HEI demonstrates—through concrete actions—the mission and responsibility of Chinese central enterprises to promote cultural exchange and advance practical cooperation.

ZETES Phase III Project in Türkiye

Deepening China–Türkiye energy cooperation by delivering benchmark projects that underpin long-term collaboration. As an experienced EPC contractor with a long-standing presence in the Turkish market, HEI has consistently taken high-quality project delivery as the foundation for upgrading bilateral cooperation. In 2013, HEI formally signed the contract for the ZETES Phase III project. Undertaken within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, it was the first major energy project in the European market executed by a Chinese EPC contractor, and a milestone that marked HEI’s successful entry into Türkiye’s high-end thermal power sector. During construction, leveraging strong execution capabilities, advanced technical expertise, and a rigorous management system, HEI set multiple industry benchmarks in Türkiye for two 600 MW-class units—shortest construction period, best overall quality, highest generation efficiency, and leading environmental performance. Since commissioning, the plant has significantly alleviated local power shortages and provided robust support for regional energy security. In 2018, the project was awarded the “Best Thermal Power Project in Türkiye” at the 24th International Energy and Environment Fair and Conference in Istanbul, standing as a flagship example of China–Türkiye cooperation in energy engineering.

Modern Karton PM6 Paperboard Mill Project in Türkiye

Expanding into diversified sectors and empowering local development through cross-industry capabilities. While maintaining a strong foothold in the power sector, HEI has actively explored new business frontiers. In 2021, HEI signed the EPC contract for the Modern Karton PM6 Paperboard Mill Project with Türkiye’s Eren Holding. This project marked HEI’s first flagship venture beyond the traditional power sector and into the non-power engineering market. In 2025, the project successfully commenced production, achieving a scaled operational capacity of 700,000 tonnes of board per year, along with a daily wastewater treatment capacity of 20,160 cubic meters. The project not only helps fill the gap in Türkiye’s high-end board production capacity, but also injects strong new momentum into high-quality local economic development through its green and environmentally friendly operating standards.

HEI Actively Participates in Post-Earthquake Relief Efforts in Türkiye

Putting into practice the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, and strengthening the foundation of friendship through a strong commitment to people’s well-being. Throughout its project development and operations in Türkiye, HEI has consistently upheld the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, integrating public welfare considerations into every stage of cooperation. Through project implementation, HEI has created a substantial number of jobs, actively recruiting local employees to participate in construction, operation, and management. At the same time, it has carried out targeted skills training programs to cultivate local technical talent, ensuring that the benefits of China–Türkiye cooperation are shared with the broader public and reinforcing the social foundation of bilateral friendship. In the wake of the earthquake in Türkiye, HEI responded immediately, taking an active role in relief efforts and mobilizing resources to provide essential supplies for affected communities. These concrete actions underscore the social responsibility and global commitment of a Chinese central enterprise.

Turkish Teachers and Students Visit HEI Exhibition Hall

Deepening mutual learning among civilizations and bringing people closer through cultural exchange. While engineering cooperation builds a practical bridge, people-to-people exchange fosters enduring friendship. HEI has consistently attached great importance to cultural engagement between China and Türkiye, working to strengthen the bonds of mutual understanding between the two peoples. In 2025, as a key partner, HEI invited more than 50 teachers and students from Türkiye’s Eren Holding to Harbin for study and exchange. The program included visits to production facilities, offering a close-up look at the strength of Harbin Electric’s manufacturing capabilities, as well as immersive experiences of the richness of traditional Chinese culture. Through these interactions, participants shared customs and traditions, deepened mutual understanding, and promoted dialogue between the two civilizations. The initiative not only strengthened friendship between the peoples of China and Türkiye, but also provided Turkish youth with a valuable platform to broaden their global perspective and gain a deeper appreciation of China.

HEI Participates in China–Türkiye Cultural Exchange Activities

Recently, the Chinese Culture Fest’26 was officially launched at Eren Science and Technology High School in Bitlis Province, Türkiye. As the only Chinese-funded enterprise invited to the event, HEI took part throughout the program, actively contributing to this major platform for cultural exchange and promoting mutual learning between the two civilizations as well as closer people-to-people ties.

Turkish Teachers and Students Visit Harbin Electric Machinery Company Limited's Workshops

On the eve of the opening ceremony, Chinese and international guests jointly toured a China-themed cultural exhibition hosted by Eren Science and Technology High School. The exhibition showcased a rich array of traditional Chinese cultural elements, including Chinese calligraphy, classical painting, and traditional musical arts such as the qin. It also featured a special display of visual materials documenting the 2025 study visit to China by 50 students of the school, along with original correspondence between HEI and the Eren Holding regarding cultural exchange initiatives. Together, these exhibits vividly highlighted the depth and achievements of China–Türkiye people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese Ambassador to Türkiye Jiang Xuebin Delivers Remarks

During the event, representatives of HEI also briefed Jiang Xuebin, Chinese Ambassador to Türkiye, and Cultural Counselor Zhou Meifen on HEI’s efforts and achievements in advancing China–Türkiye economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and corporate social responsibility. Ambassador Jiang and Counselor Zhou highly commended HEI’s long-term commitment to cultural exchange and educational cooperation between China and Türkiye, as well as its active fulfillment of social responsibilities. In his remarks at the event, Ambassador Jiang once again praised HEI for actively carrying out localized social responsibility initiatives and contributing to China–Türkiye friendship. He also expressed hope that, as a representative Chinese enterprise operating overseas, HEI would further strengthen the international promotion of Chinese culture, actively share inspiring stories of China–Türkiye cooperation, continue deepening practical collaboration with local governments and enterprises, and present China’s story to the world with sincerity and professionalism, thereby fostering the image of Chinese enterprises abroad as trustworthy, professional, and responsible partners.

Ahmet Eren, Founder of the Eren Holding, Delivers Remarks

In his remarks, Ahmet Eren highlighted the “Journey to China” exchange program organized by HEI in 2025, speaking highly of the event’s success and expressing sincere appreciation for HEI’s contributions to promoting youth exchange between China and Türkiye. He noted that since the establishment of the partnership between the two sides, they have worked closely together and achieved strong synergy in both power and non-power engineering projects. Through its outstanding technical expertise, efficient execution capabilities, and open and inclusive approach to cooperation, HEI has successfully delivered a number of key projects. He added that while the two sides have achieved mutually beneficial outcomes through their cooperation, they have also forged a deep friendship that transcends national borders. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that both parties would further expand the scope and fields of cooperation, continue carrying forward and deepening bilateral friendship, and work together to build a model of practical cooperation and win-win partnership between Chinese and Turkish enterprises.

From delivering high-quality projects that drive development, to fostering cultural exchange that brings the peoples of China and Türkiye closer together; from advancing practical cooperation for mutual benefit, to strengthening the foundation of friendship through deeper people-to-people ties, HEI has demonstrated its mission through concrete actions and reinforced bilateral friendship through meaningful exchange at this important milestone marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Türkiye. Standing at a new historical starting point, HEI will continue to stay true to its original aspiration and serve as a dedicated ambassador for cultural exchange and practical cooperation between China and Türkiye. The company will further align its efforts with the Belt and Road Initiative and the “Middle Corridor” initiative, contributing new and greater strength to expanding bilateral cooperation into broader fields and deeper levels, and writing a new chapter of enduring China–Türkiye friendship in the new era.