Svetlana Olkhovikova: Building Bridges and Businesses in Tianjin

As the sun sets over Tianjin, the bustling streets of this vibrant northern Chinese city embrace a mix of tradition and modernity. For Svetlana Olkhovikova, a young entrepreneur from a small Russian village, this city is no longer just a new home—it’s where her dreams have taken root. Once captivated by her grandfather’s tales of Confucian wisdom along the Volga River, she now bridges two nations through her entrepreneurial ventures, proving that dreams can indeed transcend borders.

A Seed Planted by the Volga River: A Childhood Fascination with the East

Growing up in a rural village hundreds of kilometers from Moscow, Olkhovikova ’s childhood was steeped in stories of China. Her grandparents played a pivotal role in shaping her worldview. Her grandmother praised the kindness of Chinese people, while her grandfather often quoted Confucian sayings like, “Is it not a delight to have friends coming from afar?” Even her uncle, an engineer, encouraged her to pursue knowledge as the key to a broader life.

On chilly evenings, with the scent of her grandfather’s green tea filling their home, Olkhovikova imagined a mystical land beyond the Volga River—a land of wisdom, perseverance, and opportunity.

Her curiosity about China grew stronger during her time at Voronezh State University, where she studied international relations. In 2008, a six-month exchange program at Qingdao University brought her to China for the first time. While busy learning Mandarin and navigating a new culture, she was struck by the work ethic and optimism of the Chinese people. “I realized then that this was a country full of energy and possibility,” she recalls. That brief experience planted a seed, but her connection to China was only just beginning.

Crossing Borders: From Moscow to Tianjin

After earning a master’s degree in international relations from MGIMO University in Moscow, Svetlana Olkhovikova embarked on a decade-long career at a Russian foreign trade company specializing in isotopes. Through her work, she noticed the company’s strong partnerships with Chinese businesses, which deepened her interest in the country’s rapid development.

“Even my family and colleagues could see the immense potential of China’s market,” she explains. Inspired by the opportunity to explore this potential herself, Olkhovikova made a bold decision. In 2021, she paused her career to pursue an MBA at Tianjin University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions.

Tianjin University, known for its rich history as China’s first modern university, offered her more than just academic insights. Its practical, hands-on curriculum gave her a deeper understanding of the principles driving China’s economic success. Even during the pandemic, with classes moving online, Olkhovikova found herself inspired by the lively discussions with classmates and the professors’ balanced teaching style.

Her master’s thesis became a turning point. Focusing on the demand for high-powered tractors in Russian agriculture, she conducted field research at local agricultural machinery companies in Tianjin. By exploring how Chinese manufacturers could create solutions tailored to Russia’s unique farming needs, she developed a “customized production plus localized service” model. This research not only deepened her understanding of cross-border collaboration but also set the stage for her entrepreneurial journey.

A City of Opportunities: Starting a Business in Tianjin

In September 2023, Svetlana Olkhovikova launched her first company, Tianjin Ruidehe Machinery Trade Co., Ltd., specializing in the export of Chinese agricultural machinery to Russia. Just six months later, she founded her second venture, CMR China Isotope Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which facilitates cross-border trade in medical devices, equipment, and raw materials for radiopharmaceuticals.

Starting a business in a foreign country is never easy, but Svetlana Olkhovikova was amazed by the support she received in Tianjin. From selecting a company site to navigating work visas and bank accounts, local government departments offered efficient and thoughtful assistance. “I was impressed by how welcoming and supportive everyone was,” she says. “The kindness my grandfather always described isn’t just a story—it’s something you feel every day here.”

Tianjin, she explains, feels like a city that truly embraces entrepreneurs. “The business environment here is open, supportive, and filled with opportunity. It’s the perfect place for someone with a dream.”

A Cultural Bridge: Falling in Love with China

Beyond her business ventures, Olkhovikova has fully immersed herself in Chinese culture. She’s fallen in love with Tianjin’s famous cuisine, from crispy fried dough twists (mahua) to savory steamed buns (goubuli). She continues to perfect her Mandarin, insisting on speaking Chinese whenever possible to show her respect for the local culture.

“Learning Chinese isn’t just about language—it’s about understanding the people,” she says. “It’s my way of saying thank you for the kindness I’ve experienced here.”

Her connection to China isn’t just personal—it’s also professional. Through her work, Olkhovikova sees herself as a bridge between China and Russia, fostering deeper ties between the two nations.

Looking Ahead: Sowing Seeds of Cooperation

When asked about her future, Svetlana Olkhovikova smiles and opens her notebook. Inside is a line she wrote while traveling on a high-speed train: “I believe a beautiful future awaits me. Like my father sowing seeds in the fields, I hope to plant new seeds of Sino-Russian cooperation.”

She hopes her story inspires more international students to explore the opportunities China offers. “Don’t be afraid to come here,” she advises. “This is a country where people help those who dare to dream. If you’re willing to work hard, the possibilities are endless.”

As the evening light fades over Tianjin, Svetlana Olkhovikova walks toward her next meeting, her steps confident and her heart full of hope. Her journey from a small Russian village to the bustling streets of Tianjin is a testament to the power of courage, connection, and cross-cultural collaboration. For Svetlana Olkhovikova, this is just the beginning of her story—and the seeds she’s planting today will blossom far into the future.

By Eva Yin