#China #Haikou #Talent Development #Hainan Province #Free Trade Port

Hainan's International Conference to Boost Talent Development

From December 6 to 7, 2025, Haikou, the capital city of China's southern island province, hosted a significant conference aimed at leveraging Hainan's rich reservoir of talents to enhance its Free Trade Port (FTP) development. This event marked a pivotal moment for the province as it aims to attract at least one million skilled individuals, a goal that was initiated seven years ago.

A Million Talents Initiative

Hainan's ambitious initiative has already seen the arrival of over 1.03 million talents, demonstrating a proactive approach to regional growth through skilled labor. The conference emphasized a comprehensive policy framework designed to support talent development within local industrial chains and integrated service platforms, signalling a shift towards a more collaborative and innovative talent ecosystem.

During the event, Hainan initiated a new campaign urging the local talent pool to contribute vigorously to the province's growth and industrial integration. This campaign aims to develop competitive policies and frameworks that foster innovation, enhance local talent integration, and strengthen industrial chains.

Thematic Sessions and International Cooperation

The conference included four key thematic sessions focused on crucial aspects such as the development of young talents, fostering cooperation between Hainan and other regions including Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, improving integrations within the seed industry, and cultivating aviation-related talent through collaborative efforts between educational institutions and businesses. This multifaceted approach aims to optimize resource utilization and create a synergistic environment for talent cultivation.

Significantly, various cooperation programs were launched during the conference, including seven international projects dedicated to agricultural technology. Collaborative partnerships were forged between the Hainan Department of Commerce and leading universities, further illustrating the event's commitment to fostering an enriching talent landscape.

Job Recruitment and Local Opportunities

One of the highlights was a highly appreciated recruitment drive featuring 337 organizations offering over 10,000 job opportunities, with nearly half of these positions offering annual salaries exceeding 100,000 yuan. The conference’s cloud-based recruitment platform allowed for round-the-clock access to job listings and candidate applications, effectively bridging the gap between local talent supply and demand.

Additionally, exquisitely decorated exhibition zones showcased 18 cities and counties in Hainan, prominently featuring policy advantages and unique regional resources that align with the province's developmental goals.

High-Level Discussions

As a high-caliber event, the Second International Talent Exchange Conference of China (Hainan) attracted numerous professionals, including Chan Un Tong, Director of the Labor Affairs Office for Macao's Special Administrative Region. Participants engaged in insightful discussions on advancing the quality and effectiveness of Hainan's FTP through improved talent policies and services.

In summary, the recent conference in Haikou not only highlighted Hainan's strategic talent initiatives but also set the stage for innovative collaborations that promise to propel the province into a new era of economic development. With its sights firmly set on becoming a leading hub for free trade, Hainan demonstrates a robust commitment to harnessing local talents while also embracing global partnerships.