Hainan welcomes delegation of South African scientists

South African scientists visit an exhibition hall in Haikou National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Haikou, South China's Hainan province, on April 9 [Photo/people.cn]

A group of South African scientists is visiting South China's Hainan province, where the country's largest free trade zone is being developed.

The group are there to promote some of the latest technologies from South Africa, as well as to meet some of the brightest minds from Hainan's most promising companies, including Qilu (Hainan) Pharmaceutical Co, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, and Hainan Unican Science and Technology Innovation Institute.

Energy research, robots designed to help with rehabilitation, degradable plastics, agricultural technology, and the 3D printing of metal parts were the most frequently discussed topics at a communication panel that took place during their visit on April 9. 

The discussion panel takes place on April 9. [Photo/people.cn]

Haikou National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone encouraged the South African scientists to team up with local enterprises, said Han Qing, deputy director of the zone's administrative committee.

I hope that it will be possible to establish some joint workshops for scientific research, as well as new maker spaces, he added.

The visiting group is set to take part in the 2019 "Enlightening China" events, involving a series of roadshows and signing ceremonies.

The scientists pose for a group photo during their trip to Mei'an New City, the core area of Haikou National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone. [Photo/people.cn]

Introducing top South African scientists is part of Hainan's strategy to attract talented workers and enterprises from home and abroad. Last year, the tropical island announced a strategy of attracting 1 million new highly-skilled workers.

In order to help meet its target, Hainan has enacted a range of preferential policies to attract workers to the island, covering areas such as housing, education, insurance, and incubation service.