Hainan column of Tass launched in St. Petersburg for FTZ promotion

Sun Dahai (L), deputy secretary-general of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, and Andes Sokolov (R), executive deputy director of Tass, jointly launch the Hainan column of Tass in St. Petersburg, Russia on June 6. [Photo/Hainan Daily]

The launching ceremony of the Hainan column of Tass was held in St. Petersburg, Russia on June 6 during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The project dubbed "Captivating Hainan: The Land of Promise" on Tass.com was a move to promote the construction of the China (Hainan) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

Sun Dahai, deputy secretary-general of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, said that the establishment of Hainan's free trade zone has given the Chinese island province a development opportunity for further reform and opening up, as well as provided business opportunities for global investors.

Andes Sokolov, executive deputy director of Tass, said in his speech that as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, it has helped deepen cooperation between Tass and Hainan. Both sides can use the special column set for Hainan on the official website of Tass to promote history, culture, economy, trade, investment, tourism, and other important content to enhance mutual understanding and to exchange resources.

Tass is one of the world's five major news agencies. Headquartered in Moscow, it has branches in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong among its total 138 branches around the world. It maintains close relationships with more than 80 news agencies and offers information to press organizations and offices of commercial representatives in 115 countries and regions.

In September 2018 and January 2019, the Hainan Provincial People's Government and Tass news agency signed a memorandum of understanding and an agreement concerning publicity and cultural cooperation, which laid a solid foundation for bilateral communication. Based on the agreement, both sides will consistently strengthen information exchanges and develop strategic partnerships in the future.

Government officials, news media, and business representatives from more than 10 countries, including Russia, China, India, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan, attended the promotional activities.

Sun Dahai (R), deputy secretary-general of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, delivers a speech at a promotion activity of the China (Hainan) Pilot Free Trade Zone in St. Petersburg. [Photo/Hainan Daily]