Hainan Free Trade Port deepens cooperation with Switzerland

HAIKOU, China, July 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Hainan International Media Center (HIMC):

From July 4-6, a delegation from China's southern Hainan Province held Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) related promotion and exchange activities in Switzerland, cementing cooperation in the fields of medical health, education, and high-end shopping & consumption.

During their time in Switzerland, the Hainan delegation held discussions and research meetings with numerous important companies and institutions, including Merck, Richemont, Roche Diagnostics,  EHL Hospitality Business School, Switzerland Global Enterprise, the World Trade Organization, and the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Inviting Swiss counterparts to leverage the FTP's preferential policies, Hainan is specifically promoting cooperation in the fields of medical health, independent school running, and intellectual property protection. Hainan also made a point of expressing their warm welcome to Swiss enterprises to take part in the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo in April, 2025.

Co-organized by Hainan's provincial government and the Switzerland Global Enterprise, the Hainan Free Trade Port Medical & Health Industry Exchange Meeting was held in Zurich on July 4. The event was well-received, with nearly 50 representatives from well-known Swiss companies and industry associations (including the Swiss Medical Technology Association, the the Swiss Scientific and Industrial Pharmaceutical Association, Novartis, Nestlé Health Science, Sonova, Similasan, Alcon, and IBSA) in attendance.

At the meeting, the Swiss side affirmed that the Hainan FTP's conducive business environment and preferential policies (especially the innovative measures in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone) mean that the island has broad development prospects in the medical and health industry. Lecheng has become the primary rapid access channel for global innovative medical products entering China, and many Swiss medical companies—in learning about how the FTP's preferential policies support Lecheng—are now planning to deepen cooperation with Hainan.

The conference saw contract signings take place between Sonova & the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Industrie Biomediche Insubri SA & Susheng Biotech, and Dr. Dünner AG & Winhealth Pharma. Also, to promote innovative development in life sciences and the medical health industries, Switzerland Global Enterprise signed a memorandum of understanding with the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Hainan Free Trade Port deepens cooperation with Switzerland

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --The Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, part of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, has revealed that the Riyadh Book Fair 2024 is its largest edition yet, featuring a diverse range of translated international books. With more than 2,000 local, Arab, and international publishers participating, the Fair has strengthened its position as a leading cultural event in the Arab world. This year's edition promotes Saudi Arabia's cultural openness and supports the spread of cross-border knowledge.

The 2024 Fair edition stands out for hosting renowned thinkers, intellectuals, and global figures in literature, art, and knowledge who share their insights and success stories with the public. Among the key speakers are Fareed Zakaria, acclaimed media personality and author; Walter Isaacson, world-renowned biographer; poet and writer Kwame Alexander; and acclaimed novelist Jonathan Franzen. The Fair also features prominent literary and artistic figures from the Middle East.

Dr Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, emphasised the significance of the Fair, stating: "The Riyadh International Book Fair is not only one of the most important book fairs in the Arab region but also a premier platform for publishers and authors to expand their reach in the Arab cultural market. This year's edition is especially notable for its focus on cultural diversity and translation, with an exceptional programme featuring some of the world's leading intellectuals."

During his visit, His Excellency Chang Hua, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, expressed admiration for the Saudi public's enthusiasm for reading. CNN's Fareed Zakaria praised the Kingdom's remarkable transformation and its growing global influence.

This year also marks the return of the popular "Riyadh Reads French" initiative, featuring several French publishers. Al-Saeed Ezz, Communication Officer at the French Embassy, noted that this year's programme has expanded to include children's activities and free French language courses in collaboration with the French Cultural Institute, bringing French culture closer to Saudi visitors.

The Riyadh International Book Fair plays a key role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030's cultural goals, contributing to the Kingdom's cultural economy, projected to reach $9.3 billion. Attracting over one million visitors annually, it ranks among the highest-selling book fairs in the Arab world.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Riyadh International Book Fair 2024: Expanding Global Dialogue through the Largest Collection of Translated Works