On July 16th, a dialogue for Hainan and the province’s sister regions was held in Haikou, the capital of Hainan province. Attendees included 21 representatives from 14 regions that have formed sister relationships with Hainan, with the goal to promote further cooperation between the Hainan Free Trade Port and sister regions in Asia, Europe, and North and South America.

In the welcoming speech, a representative of the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan Province, which organized this dialogue to “bring old and new friends together”, gave an introduction to the achievements of the Hainan Free Trade Port, particularly in the areas of deep-sea industry, aerospace technology, tropical agriculture, and international conferences and exhibitions. These accomplishments are thanks to the special policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port as well as the unique advantages of the island province. The speaker stressed that international sister relations are highly regarded precious resources that are critical for Hainan’s foreign exchanges.

During the meeting, representatives from 13 nations including Japan, Malaysia, Serbia, Hungary, and the USA shared their thoughts on mutual cooperation and promoted their distinct advantages.

During interviews, representatives from Hawaii, USA and Pest County, Hungary as well as Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, spoke about collaboration in areas such as tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, which they believe to be of high value and potential.

Dennis Suo, Executive Director of the State of Hawaii Office in Beijing, said that Hawaii and Hainan established sisterhood relations in 1992, and now Hawaii is looking for opportunities to strengthen the relationship in terms of collaboration in the tourism industry, such as sharing best practices and experiences, as well as continuing to develop sustainable tourism initiatives. Hawaii also hopes to export agricultural products such as Kona coffee, volcanic water, and macadamia nuts to the Hainan Free Trade Port, through which the products can then enter the China market.

Dennis Suo, Executive Director of the State of Hawaii Office in Beijing

“The beautiful scenery of Hainan is very attractive to Hungarians, and it is of great potential and complimentary in areas such as cultural and tourism communication.” Zhu Yunping, Commissioner for Diplomatic Affairs with China of the Autonomous Government of Pest County, Hungary was impressed by his visit to Hainan. “Hungary is one of the European countries that enjoys visa free entry to China. With greater promotion, more Hungarian people will travel to Hainan”. Zhu also spoke of the huge opportunities that Hungarian enterprises can find in the Hainan and believes that the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port will be successful.

Zhu Yunping, Commissioner for Diplomatic Affairs with China of the Autonomous Government of Pest County, Hungary

Bessho Saori, Manager of the International Affairs Division of the Hyogo Prefectural Government, stressed that communication between young people on both sides “is very important”. She also emphasized the protection of the natural environment and biodiversity, a global issue in which Hainan has made a great deal of progress that may inspire and assist others.

Bessho Saori, Manager of the International Affairs Division of the Hyogo Prefectural Government