Unlocking Oceania's Business Opportunities in Hainan

When we think of a trade mission to China, images of bustling cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or the manufacturing hubs of Guangzhou come to mind. However, my most recent business trip took me to an unexpected destination—Hainan, a tropical island known more for its sandy beaches and resorts than its business potential. Over six days, I joined a delegation of Kiwi and Australian business leaders to explore Hainan’s transformation and attend the grand opening of the Oceania Centre.

Hainan, located at the southern tip of China, has long been a top domestic tourist spot. However, recent government initiatives, particularly the "Hainan Free Trade Port" master plan, are set to considerably alter its trajectory. One of the key benefits of this plan is the implementation of zero tariffs across the entire island, including exemptions from import duties, Value Added Tax, and consumption taxes. This bold vision is positioning Hainan as a new global free trade hub, akin to Dubai and Singapore—a concept that resonates with Kiwis, given New Zealand’s similar ability to punch above its weight.

Our delegation, led by Sir John Key, arrived with the goal of understanding how businesses from Oceania could tap into these new opportunities and contribute to Hainan’s rapidly growing economy. The hospitality and enthusiasm shown to us by local and national government officials were remarkable, with our group featured on various media outlets, emphasising Hainan’s eagerness to welcome foreign business.

One standout moment of the trip was visiting the construction site of a new movie production studio, a massive complex that includes dozens of rooms for filming short series and online content. The site even boasts an international airport and a morgue for cinematic purposes. We also toured Ocean Flower Island, an extraordinary man-made island shaped like five petals, each offering different entertainment options, including theme parks, water parks, hotels, and residential apartments.

The highlight of the trip, however, was the official opening of the Oceania Centre. Kevin Sun, of Stonewood Key China, was the driving force behind this initiative. After learning about Hainan’s trade policies, he envisioned a platform that would support Oceania businesses in entering the Chinese market. Three years later, his vision came to life with the Oceania Centre's grand opening on July 22. The Centre is designed to assist businesses with capital raising, brand development, and finding local partners in China.

Business Leaders Reflect on Hainan Trade Mission and the Opening of the Oceania Centre

The trade delegation to Hainan was not just an opportunity to explore the island’s business potential but also a chance for delegates to reflect on the new avenues opening up for Oceania businesses. Each participant brought unique insights into how Hainan could serve as a vital gateway to China and beyond, and their perspectives highlight the significance of this growing economic hub.

James Ferrier, CEO of BioFab, was particularly struck by the opportunities Hainan offers for businesses looking to expand into the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets. “Hainan holds an exciting opportunity, not only for BioFab but for any business or entrepreneur seeking to explore and grow in Asian markets. What sets Hainan apart is its potential to become a central landing point for foreign businesses,” he said.

Ferrier compared Hainan’s tourism industry, with its stunning locations like Sanya and Lingshui, to the Coromandel in New Zealand. He noted that beyond the scenic beauty, the island has seen 40 years of consistent economic growth, backed by strong government support. "This will undoubtedly position Hainan as a key player in the global economy," he added. Ferrier was especially excited about the Lingshui Education Pilot Zone, a major development attracting universities from around the globe. “This will be the perfect location for BioFab to base our R&D activities while also providing a beautiful environment to attract both local and international talent to our business.”

For Tim Boyne, co-founder of SmartSpace AI and LawVu, the experience of visiting Haikou was equally inspiring. "What an experience. Haikou is incredible on so many levels,” Boyne said. He described Hainan as an "undiscovered gem" as a tourist destination but was even more impressed with the efforts to turn the island into a strategic entry point for Western businesses eager to explore or expand in China. “The effort that’s going into turning Haikou into a beachhead for Western businesses is something to behold,” he remarked.

Boyne praised the work done by Stonewood Key in establishing the Oceania Centre and expressed his eagerness to return to Hainan.

Andre Rowell, editorial director of M2 Magazine, had long admired the work of Kevin Sun, the chairman of the Oceania Centre, in fostering trade and partnerships between Oceania and China. Reflecting on the significance of the Oceania Centre’s opening, Rowell said, “Kevin Sun has been a living bridge for trade and partnership between Oceania and China for most of his career. His work to build the Oceania Centre in Haikou, Hainan, is a wonderful physical representation of this long-term vision.”

Rowell was struck by the thoughtful design of the Centre, which integrates elements of Oceania into its architecture, such as the whalebone motif ceiling and the silhouette of a waka in the foyer. “The Oceania Centre really is a slice of Oceania within Haikou,” he said. But Rowell emphasised that the Centre is more than just a building—it is a platform that extends far beyond Hainan, reaching into Mainland China, Australia, the Pacific, and New Zealand. “It is a conduit for trade, partnership, diplomacy, and co-operation,” he noted.

Like my fellow delegates, being part of the New Zealand trade delegation, led by Sir John Key, was an experience that truly resonated with me. It wasn’t just about seeing the enormous potential for collaboration and partnerships between Oceania and China, but also about the personal connections that developed throughout the journey. What stood out to me most was how much emphasis was placed on building relationships at a personal level. It’s incredible what can be achieved through face-to-face interactions, and the warmth, generosity, and hospitality we encountered in China really highlighted the strength of these friendships.

As we made our way home, it became evident to me just how much potential the Oceania Centre and Hainan have for businesses in our region. The visit not only highlighted Hainan’s remarkable economic transformation but also reinforced the importance of fostering personal and professional relationships when navigating new markets. Now that the Oceania Centre has officially opened, the opportunities for stronger collaboration between Oceania and China are immense.

Could Hainan be relevant for you or want to understand the full list of incentives in Hainan? The Oceania Center is here to assist, contact with The Oceania Centre on [email protected].

The views expressed are those of the author.

-Asia Media Centre

*Banner image: Opening of Ocenia Centre in Meilan District c/o HiHainan