Hainan Day, themed "Beautiful Hainan, Healthy Island", was held in the China Pavilion at the Astana Expo on August 14.

Yu Xun, chairman of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Wang Jinzhen, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Liu Jiangping, charge d'affaires of the Chinese mission to Kazakhstan, and Mainyura Murzamadiyeva, chairperson of the Tourism Industry Committee of Kazakhstan, attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

More than 160 people, including representatives from the Organizing Committee of the Astana Expo, Pavilion representatives from other countries and representatives from Kazakhstan business associations and enterprises, took part in Hainan Day.

Yu Xun outlined the overall situation of Hainan's economic development. He said that the theme of the event captures the image of Hainan. The province is expected to develop into a happy home, a beautiful garden, and a holiday paradise. Xu hopes that Hainan will demonstrate its infinite charm and prospects to the world through the event, deepen exchanges with other countries, and share development achievements.

Wang Jinzhen pointed out that it is the first time that the expo has been held in a Central Asian country. Focusing on future energy, the event gained wide international attention.

The leaders of China and Kazakhstan attach great importance to China's participation in the expo. President Xi Jinping and President Nazarbayev agreed to deepen cooperation and exchanges between the two countries. With a theme of "Future Energy, Green Silk Road", the China Pavilion showcased China's attitude about and new technologies in the transformation and development of new energy, environmentally friendly and sustainable development, striving to promote pragmatic cooperation in energy, trade, and cultural fields with Kazakhstan and other countries as they build a green silk road.

Hainan is a key location on the 21st century Maritime Silk Road. In recent years, it has promoted reforms in many fields and extensive cooperation with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. By means of exhibitions, trade docking, cultural performances and other activities, the Hainan delegation hopes to demonstrate Hainan's unique history, culture and business opportunities. Wang said he hopes that Hainan will share experiences and strengthen cooperation for common development with other countries through the activity.

Liu Jiangping said that the outstanding performances given prior to the opening ceremony exemplified the beauties of Hainan.

In addition to its developed tourism industry, Hainan is developing rapidly in finance, specialized agriculture, logistics, high-tech and other fields. 2018 will be the 30th anniversary of Hainan's becoming China's largest economic zone; at that time a more dynamic province with broad development prospects will be presented to the world.

Direct flights between Almaty and Sanya have been opened for service, and comprehensive cooperation between Hainan and Kazakhstan has begun. She believes that the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, the opening of the World Expo and the launching of the event at the China Pavilion will provide a better platform and opportunities for more cooperation between the two nations.

Murzamadiyeva said that this year is China Tourism Year in Kazakhstan. To date, several Sino-Kazakhstan tourism forums and exchange activities have been held between the two nations. Hainan Day allowed her to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hainan once again, and to appreciate the broad prospect of tourism cooperation between the two countries.

She pointed out that the Kazakhstan Tourism Industry Committee is actively promoting policy reform for tourism cooperation between the two countries, and optimizing a visa process and transit visa-free system. She believes that through the tourism year and expo platforms there will be more remarkable results on tourism cooperation between the two countries in the future.

During the event cooperation agreements between the Hainan CCPIT and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and between a travel agency in Sanya and Kazakhstan's travel service company, were signed.

In order to further promote exchanges and cooperation between Hainan and Kazakhstan in relevant industries, the Agriculture Department of Hainan, its Tourism Development Commission, Haikou City, Danzhou City, Wenchang City, Qionghai City, and Wanning City promoted their high-efficiency tropical agriculture, tourism, medical health and other industries at the event.

The Hainan International Economic and Trade Cooperation Fair was also held after the opening ceremony. Representatives from the tourism, medical, food and agriculture industries and Kazakhstan enterprises attended the fair, where companies from the two nations conducted in-depth exchanges. The Hainan delegation said that the expo provides a pragmatic and effective display and exchange platform for provinces and municipalities, and deepens their cooperation with Kazakhstan industries.

Representatives of the Belarus Pavilion praised Hainan Day, and those of the Senegal Pavilion said that the event gave them an insight into China's other provinces outside of Beijing, and in fact added another destination, Hainai, to their travel wish list!

The China Pavilion has now held 17 provincial and municipal events and five corporate activities. In the near future, six more provincial and municipal events and three corporate activities are to be held. This is the first time China has participated in the expo with such a large number of provinces and cities.