He said he was "very impressed" and believed it was something "all of us can learn from". While acknowledging that automation displaces some workers, he said those affected would be retrained for other roles, particularly in port control rooms. The efficiency gains, he added, would allow the port to handle more containers — a net positive, in his view, for the broader economy.

At the center of Luban Workshops are vocational students taking advantage of the opportunities available. "Besides professional skills, the school also arranges Chinese language courses," said Mohamed Adel, an international student from Egypt. "To build a bridge for China-foreign cooperation, mastering Chinese or English is essential."

Abdelrhman, a student from Russia, lauded the opportunities for hands-on practice. "I've also learned how to weave Chinese knots and participated in various training projects and skills competitions at the base," he added.

Jin Beiyi and Huan Xiaoyang contributed to this story.