World Summit of Haishang Held, Global Hainanese entrepreneurs Discuss Development and Seek Cooperation

The sub-forum of The 17th Congress of the World Federation of Hainanese Associations — the World Summit of Haishang — was held in Guangzhou on the 4th. Hundreds of Hainanese entrepreneurs from both within China and abroad gathered to share information and business opportunities, explore cooperative spaces, and jointly promote the economic development and cooperation of the Hainan Free Trade Port and The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.

The sub-forum of The 17th Congress of the World Federation of Hainanese Associations — the World Summit of Haishang — was held in Guangzhou on December 4th. Photo by Luo Yunfei, correspondent from China News.com

Lin Sheng, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of Hainan Provincial Committee and Party Secretary of the Hainan Federation of Industry and Commerce, stated that Hainanese businesspeople adhere to the principles of “valuing commerce, openness, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship.” They are bold and pioneering, active in various industries around the world, and have become an important force in Chinese business circles. The achievements in the economic and social development of Hainan reflect the heartfelt dedication of the compatriots to their homeland. Hainan extends a sincere invitation to “Hainanese merchants” around the world, welcoming them to invest and flourish in business, turning the limitless business opportunities of the Hainan Free Trade Port into vibrant practice.

Hu Xiang, Executive Vice President of the Hainan Association of Guangdong, stated that there is currently frequent interaction between Hainan and The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Platforms such as the Hainan-Guangdong Strategic Cooperation Framework, the Hainan-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Development Advisory Committee, and the Hainan International Economic Development Bureau’s Hong Kong Office have been successively established. Hainan and Guangdong closely cooperate in areas such as the integrated development of port and shipping across the Qiongzhou Strait, technological collaboration, and the joint cultivation and introduction of talent… The deep cooperation between the two provinces is already showing results. Currently, The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area is vigorously developing strategic industrial clusters such as next-generation information technology, advanced equipment manufacturing, new materials, and biomedicine. Hainan’s high-level opening-up policy aids in “attracting wealth and intelligence,” achieving resource complementarity.

“Born by the sea and nurtured by it, Hainanese merchants have historically crossed oceans to explore business opportunities and have long been conducting business with the world,” narrated Ye Xian’en, a researcher at the Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences, about the development history of Hainanese merchants. He mentioned that Hainanese merchants possess a “vast” spiritual realm, cultivating an ethos of inclusiveness and global outlook. With the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, a great opportunity is provided for global merchants to achieve great ambitions.

Huang Hongsheng, the founder of Skyworth and Chairman of Skyworth Auto, shared his growth and entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from intelligent home appliances to the new energy vehicle and photovoltaic industries. He emotionally recalled the hardships of his youth and the struggles of his education, emphasizing that it was these challenges that shaped his life principle of “never admitting defeat.” Huang Hongsheng expressed that entrepreneurs should maintain curiosity and a state of striving, continually self-improving, facing the future head-on, and simultaneously contributing to society.

In the face of the historic new opportunities presented by the integration of the harbor, what new actions can the merchant community undertake?

Han Qinghao, Vice President of The Hong Kong Hainan Commercial Association and Director and General Manager of Sanhe Group (China) Co., Ltd., suggested that merchants should not only actively participate in the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the Greater Bay Area but also jointly explore the Southeast Asian market.

Fu Yongmei, President of the UAE Hainan Chamber of Commerce and Fellow Townsmen Association, stated that the association will actively guide its members to participate in the development of The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port, while also providing more “going global” investment opportunities for businesses in both regions.

Zhou Jingliang, the 73-year-old Chairman of Shenzhen Ganten FOOD&BEVERAGE Co., Ltd., mentioned that having left Hainan 53 years ago, he often misses his hometown and has decided to do something meaningful for Hainan. He has chosen Wuzhishan in Hainan for the introduction of the Jing Tian and Bai Sui Shan brands of bottled drinking water projects. Additionally, he is planning the construction of a five-star hotel in Dongfang City, Hainan, featuring the cultural style of the Li ethnic group.

“Now is the best time to invest in Hainan, and I hope our fellow townsmen seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Zhou Jingliang urged the attending merchants.