To deepen the implementation of the strategic cooperation agreement between COSCO SHIPPING Group and the Hainan Provincial Government, Mr. Qian Weizhong, Chairperson of COSCO SHIPPING (Hong Kong), led a delegation to visit the Haikou Municipal Government on October 16. They held discussions with Mr. Zhang Yong, Mayor of Haikou City.

Zhang Yong extended a warm welcome to Qian Weizhong and his delegation, expressing gratitude for COSCO SHIPPING Group's long-standing support to the development of Haikou's port and shipping industry. He pointed out that this year marks the final step for the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) to achieve full  island-wide independent customs operation. As the core leading area of the FTP, Haikou is fully advancing the enhancement of its international hub capabilities and the construction of a modern logistics system, urgently requiring the deep involvement of industry leaders like COSCO SHIPPING. He expressed hope that the signing of the strategic cooperation framework agreement between both parties would serve as an opportunity to explore collaborative opportunities in areas such as the construction of an international hub seaport, digital supply chains, regional coordinated development, and green, low-carbon, and intelligent development. The Haikou Municipal Government is willing to strengthen alignment and communication with COSCO SHIPPING Group's Hainan Regional Headquarters, striving to provide excellent service support, create a favourable business environment, and offer comprehensive support for COSCO SHIPPING's high-quality development in Hainan.

 Qian Weizhong expressed his gratitude for the long-term support and assistance from the Haikou Municipal Government for COSCO SHIPPING Group's development in Hainan. He provided an overview of the Group's business layout in Hainan and the functional positioning of its Hainan Regional Headquarters. He stated that the Group has always regarded Hainan as a pivotal point for its strategic layout, and the establishment of the Hainan Regional Headquarters is a significant measure in response to the FTP's development. The Headquarters will fully leverage the Group's strengths in the shipping sector, take the lead in coordinating the Group's resources, and fully utilise the new opportunities and prospects brought by independent customs policies in logistics, industrial synergy, and cross-border business. This will propel the implementation of strategic collaborations, effectively support the construction of the Hainan FTP, contribute to Haikou's goal of becoming a crucial junction for domestic and international dual circulation, and lend COSCO SHIPPING's strength to the smooth year-end independent customs operation of the Hainan FTP.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary-General Chen Jianjun of the Haikou Municipal Government; Director Yang Yi of the Haikou Comprehensive Bonded Zone Management Committee, Director Lin Cheng of the Municipal Maritime and Port Bureau, Deputy Director Wu Zhenyu of the  Haikou Jiangdong New District Administration Bureau; Deputy General Manager Wang Feng of Harbor & Shipping Holding Co., Ltd.; as well as Director Liu Haitao, Vice President Lin Jian, Assistant to President Jia Guangchao of COSCO SHIPPING (Hong Kong), and relevant personnels from the Public Relations Division