Guillermo Pulido is seen as a true scholar with a deep affection for China by his Chinese colleagues. Wang Jing / China Daily

My China Dream | Guillermo Pulido

Video: Exclusive interview with Mexican expert

The first time we met, Guillermo Pulido was bundled up in a thick duffel jacket, his face almost totally covered by a fluffy hat and a cashmere scarf. On one of the most bitterly cold days in Beijing, his eyes were twinkling with a warm smile.

He was one of the 20 foreign experts who had been invited to meet Party chief Xi Jinping for a round-table discussion on Dec 5.

He is far away from home, where he is a distinguished professor from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City, one of the most recognized universities in Latin America. Pulido also stands out because he has invested much of his life towards promoting Mexican culture overseas.

Noise engineer aims to place big plane on a pedestal

Silk road to the skies

"It is fundamental and necessary," he says of cultural exchanges. "There is no exaggeration when you describe the importance of culture."

Although his academic interest has mainly focused on economics, Pulido believes promoting cultural exchanges has a greater influence on society. "Culture can cross professions," he says firmly.

"People may study all kinds of subjects, such as economics, biology, engineering or computer science. But without culture, it is impossible to understand economics, biology or other subjects," he adds.

Pulido decorates the center with his love to Mexico and his passion for culture. The center is located on the top floor of the main building of the school with a nice view from the balcony. "We occupy a great spot, and we should do a better job to deserve it," he says.

Pulido has placed a representative piece of art in the Mexican center in Beijing.