Foreigners in Ningbo, is a very large group. According to statistics, about twenty thousand expats from 60 countries and regions live in Ningbo. In order to get practical suggestions from them, NIT held a forum--“Ningbo Expatriates and International Image”.
The forum gave an interesting glimpse into the typical life and future of the growing community of expats in Ningbo, from viewpoints of the expats themselves. Abigail Mann, a professor at NIT, spoke about Ningbo from the eyes of a western teacher. Giving examples from her life as a teacher, she was able to talk in depth about the growing influx of teachers, and their perception of the city. Randy Williams, the owner and operator of Randys Café, spoke about the past, present and future of Ningbo, and communicated his hopes for the city's future. He addressed issues that were important to him and talked of his experience being in Ningbo as a trader and restaurant owner for over 7 years. Specifically, he touched on the drastic change in the cities appearance. Matthew Galat of the Asia English Business Network and Reindeer Station spoke of the importance of services to network the expats in Ningbo deeper into their community. He also referred to tools available to the foreign community, like the Taxi Book, and its importance to anyone looking to have more freedom traveling around the city. Other honored speakers included Ishii Yasuo, who talked about Ningbos image with regards to the Japanese population, Choi Jong Suk, who gave interesting ideas to improve Ningbos international image, and Chen Wenwen, talking personally from a perspective of a student about Ningbo's image to the world.
After the forum, the speakers and a group of other attendees were introduced to Tian Gong Fazenda, a museum highlighting the history of clothing and apparel designs as well as a green house which had on display a large variety of plants and fauna from all areas of the world. It is important to make sure that every member of our city cooperates and communicates our ideas and perspectives of the city, to ensure a healthy growth and integration of our varied cultures. This forum is an important step to getting all our voices heard.

Expats impressions of Ningbo:
Australia Allen: Every day when I pass by the newly-built blocks of high-rises, I really want to say，“I have witnessed the development of a Chinese city. Ningbo is really full of vitality”.
Cameroon Marcian: “In Ningbo people are very friendly, warmhearted, hospitable, and they will do everything they can to help a foreigner.”