The 2024 Overseas Chinese Youth Development Conference and New Generation Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit kicked off on September 26 in Haikou, drawing nearly 300 participants. The attendees represented overseas Chinese youth communities from over 20 countries, including the United States, Germany, Thailand, and Malaysia, alongside delegates from Hong Kong and Macau.
This conference in Hainan is designed to enhance communication, share experiences, and create collaborative opportunities for overseas Chinese youth. The event features a variety of activities, such as the “Haikou Roundtable for Young Talents,” the “Dialogue on Innovation and Entrepreneurship among Overseas Chinese Youth,” and the “Youth Dialogue on New Consumption.” Participants will also have the opportunity to explore pivotal sectors within Hainan’s free trade port.
In his welcoming address, Gu Gang, Vice Governor of Hainan Province, emphasized the unique role of these young representatives in bridging domestic and international perspectives. He noted their crucial position in connecting China with the global community and encouraged attendees to actively pursue their dreams, assuring them that Hainan is dedicated to providing a warm, high-quality, and convenient service environment.
Hu Sheng, a leader from the National Youth Federation of China, underscored the importance of overseas Chinese and returning students as crucial contributors to advancing China’s modernization. He expressed a desire for a shared vision among young Chinese worldwide to strengthen national development and cultural heritage while fostering civilizational exchanges with other nations.
As Hainan’s free trade port aims to meet global standards, attendees were eager to learn more about its policies and explore business opportunities. He Qihuang, Assistant Secretary-General of the Thailand-Hainan Chamber of Commerce, shared, “Hainan will launch its customs operations by the end of 2025, and I’m here to understand and evaluate the opportunities.” He expressed optimism about Hainan’s potential, mentioning that he registered a company in the region two years ago and is looking forward to more streamlined import and export processes once customs operations are in place.
The swift development of Hainan’s biomedical industry was notably highlighted by Li Jihui, Director of Career Development for the Malaysian Selangor Hainan Association’s youth group. He remarked, “Hainan’s backing of the biomedical sector, along with its free trade port tax incentives, makes it exceptionally competitive.” Li expressed his aim to identify promising projects during his visit to benefit from Hainan’s openness.
Chen Yunhong, Vice President of the Hainan Chamber of Commerce in Germany, pointed out Hainan’s commitment to aligning its trade regulations with high international standards. “I’ve noticed that Hainan has set up international arbitration institutions, which greatly simplifies the process for German companies facing legal disputes locally. This significantly enhances the investment climate for foreign enterprises,” she noted. Chen affirmed her commitment to serving as a bridge to promote the free trade port on an international scale.
To further support overseas Chinese and returning students in their entrepreneurial endeavors, Hainan has rolled out supportive policies and developed platforms such as the Hainan Free Trade Port Overseas Chinese Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park. Song Xin, Executive President of the Hainan Association of Returned Overseas Students, explained that the entrepreneurship park aims to facilitate early-stage growth for overseas Chinese enterprises by keeping them informed about free trade port policies, attracting numerous companies to establish operations.
The conference is being guided by the National Youth Federation of China and organized by the Hainan Provincial Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and the Hainan Provincial Youth Federation, with support from various local organizations.
