A Trip to China: An Unforgettable Ramadan Mission

I have finally returned to my hometown of Kousséri, and my heart is filled with mixed emotions. The warm, eager embraces of my family envelop me tightly, yet I cannot help but reflect on that extraordinary journey to China—a mission embarked upon in early March 2026, during the holy month of Ramadan, a journey brimming with faith, perseverance, and unwavering cooperation.

This voyage began amid numerous obstacles but concluded with resounding success, etching an indelible memory deep in my heart.

It all started on March 3, 2026, the day I officially set off on this momentous trip to China, all while observing the sacred fast of Ramadan.

At first, obtaining a Chinese visa was no easy feat. I spent over a month negotiating and communicating back and forth between Cameroon and Chad. This crucial breakthrough was entirely thanks to my cousin, who selflessly used his personal connections to navigate the cumbersome administrative procedures, finally helping me secure the long-awaited visa on that very day.

As if destined by fate, on the same day I received my visa, I boarded a flight to China, connecting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport.

At the airport, several familiar and welcoming faces were already waiting for me—my trusted partners from HaoFuTai Co., Ltd. My dear friend Michael Dong, representing the company, along with Mr. Luke, the boss, greeted me with the utmost sincerity and warmth.

Unfortunately, the weather took a turn for the worse that night; a sudden heavy snowstorm hit Beijing, making the journey to Jinan perilous. We had no choice but to stay overnight in the capital, anxiously waiting for the snow to subside. At dawn the next day, we set off for Jinan, 400 kilometers away. The magnificent scenery along the way instantly captivated me: rows upon rows of skyscrapers piercing the overcast sky, a testament to China’s modernization that left me utterly awe-struck.

Upon arriving in Jinan, the entire HaoFuTai team welcomed me in the most grand manner.

Kelly, Shawn, Prostin, Lily, Pingping, Nasse, and all the team members gathered together. Their enthusiasm and kindness made me feel at home right away. Afterwards, I was arranged to stay at Atour Hotel, located directly opposite HaoFuTai’s office—a thoughtful arrangement that had been prepared long before I applied for my visa at the Chinese Embassy in Chad. After a short rest to recover from the fatigue of travel, I went straight to the company the next day to focus on the core of our work: finalizing the configuration plans for the trucks and semi-trailer tractors in the pre-orders.

Our schedule was tight but purposeful. First, we visited the semi-trailer manufacturing factory to inspect production details; the following day, we traveled to the SINOTRUK HOWO factory on the outskirts of Jinan. I was amazed by the vast production scale of SINOTRUK; these HOWO trucks built exclusively for export featured exquisite craftsmanship and exceptional quality, leaving a deep impression on me. After an in-depth inspection of the production base and detailed negotiations, we successfully finalized all contracts and documents for the ordered products. In addition to vehicle orders, we also inspected other product categories, mainly pharmaceutical products and motorcycles, carefully attending to every detail of this business mission.

My second core task in China was purchasing wood processing equipment. Although the prices were slightly higher than expected, the process proceeded smoothly overall. We visited specialized woodworking machinery manufacturers, carefully selected sawmill production lines and plywood production equipment, and completed the entire procurement process. I take great pride in the fact that both major orders—for trucks and woodworking machinery—have been finalized, with payments being remitted to HaoFuTai Co., Ltd.’s account one after another. As a reliable partner, the company undertook both of my procurement projects in China from start to finish.

During my stay in Jinan, the holy month of Ramadan was drawing to a close, and every evening felt particularly warm. I shared dinners with Mr. Luke and the entire HaoFuTai team—these kind and passionate friends had shown me endless care throughout my trip. After meals, we strolled through the streets of downtown Jinan, visiting its charming scenic spots and bustling parks. These peaceful, leisurely moments allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the city and forged sincere friendships that transcended business ties.

Looking back on this successfully completed mission, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. I thank the entire team at HaoFuTai Co., Ltd. and Mr. Luke for their unwavering efforts to ensure the smooth execution of the project. A special thank you goes to my dear friend Michael Dong; since our first collaboration, his efficient execution and unyielding determination have been invaluable. Despite the many obstacles along the way, he never backed down, pushing tirelessly to achieve our goals one by one.

I also extend my highest respect to my boss in Chad, Mr. Saleh Hissein. It was his exceptional leadership and meticulous coordination that safeguarded the entire mission, ultimately leading to its complete success.

On the day I left Jinan, a Friday, my friends and I gathered for a leisurely farewell lunch before taking the subway to Beijing to catch my return flight. My journey home would first take me to Yaoundé, Cameroon, for a scheduled meeting with business partners, before connecting to N’Djamena, Chad, later this week, and finally returning home to reunite with my eagerly awaiting family.

This trip to China was far more than a business mission; it was a journey of faith, perseverance, and profound connection. The memories of China during Ramadan, the warm hospitality of the HaoFuTai Co., Ltd. team, and the fruitful results of our joint cooperation will forever be treasured in my heart as a precious chapter I will revisit time and again.

All praise be to Allah.