An Iranian's journey as a business connector in SZ

While working as an interpreter at an international conference in Tehran, Iran, in 2015, Pooneh Dabiri received an unexpected invitation from a Chinese company to visit their factory in China. And so, Dabiri’s story with China began.

Pooneh Dabiri interacts with a Shenzhen-produced exhibit during Shenzhen Week at the China Pavilion of the 2025 Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, in May. Photos courtesy of the interviewee

Since then, Dabiri has lived in China, mainly in Shenzhen, pursuing a Ph.D. at Shenzhen University. She also runs her own company, which connects Chinese and Middle Eastern businesspeople.

“Because of my language skills, I saw a huge opportunity to bridge these two regions from a business perspective,” Dabiri said. “Especially since we are part of the Belt and Road Initiative program.”

During her first visit to China, she discovered many business opportunities. The company that invited her offered her a job as a sales manager in Iran, which helped her better understand the Chinese market.

“China is the world’s manufacturing hub, while the Middle East is a rapidly growing consumer market. This natural synergy inspired me to connect Chinese companies with Middle Eastern businesses and consumers,” she added.

After that trip, she decided to focus on her future development in China by applying for a master’s degree at Shenzhen University, later continuing onto a Ph.D.

Pooneh Dabiri poses with her certificate after being named as a cultural ambassador for Shenzhen University International Students for 2025.

While studying in Shenzhen, she began sharing her experiences and tips for expats and international students on social media. About a year ago, she created a business-focused Instagram account (@pooneh.monica).

She travels around Shenzhen and other parts of China, visiting companies and exhibitions to explore innovations, new products, and trends, then shares them with Middle Eastern audiences. In just one year, her account has attracted over 46,000 followers.

Through her videos, Dabiri and her team have formed connections with many factories across China. She observed that “expanding into the Middle East market has become a major trend.” So far, they have helped nearly 20 Chinese companies enter Middle Eastern markets.

A screenshot of Pooneh Dabiri's Instagram post documenting her visit to a machinery factory in Shenzhen.

As a member of EyeShenzhen’s Global Communication Ambassador program and the Z10 Club, Dabiri joined EyeShenzhen and Shenzhen Daily at Expo 2025 Osaka in May during Shenzhen Week at the China Pavilion. There, she introduced high-tech products and gadgets from Shenzhen companies to a global audience through videos.

Dabiri explained that her company specializes in matching Middle Eastern businesses with products from Shenzhen for export to Dubai, focusing especially on AI-related technologies. She said that Shenzhen is the right place for this. “There are so many companies here working on new inventions and cutting-edge technology,” she added.

For Dabiri, Shenzhen has become a home away from home. She describes the city as welcoming and inclusive, providing the perfect place to build a life and business. “Shenzhen makes me feel like this is my home, exactly where I belong.”