Hainan is China's only tropical island province. It is fast developing its international tourism industry, space technology sector and free port services, while moving ahead to be 100% reliant on green and renewable sources for its energy needs.
A high-powered delegation from Hainan, led by Bateer, the Executive Vice Governor of Hainan Province, included a visit to the University of Malta on their itinerary on 10 May. During the cordial encounter, various collaborative initiatives were proposed, also including the programmes offered by the International Ocean Institute (IOI), the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) and the joint SEA-EU master's degree in Port Management and Logistics (MIPMAL), planned to start in October 2025.
The event, held at UM's Valletta Campus, was presided by UM Pro-Rector for International Development and Quality Assurance, Prof. Frank Bezzina, and included Ms Stefania Agius Fabri (Director, International Office), Dr Antonella Vassallo (Managing Director, IOI Malta), who has assisted by Cosmin Chivu, and Prof. Norman Martinez (Executive Director, IMLI). Also present were Counsellor Chen Guihua and Second Secretary Wang Shuai from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malta. The event was moderated by , UM Professor and Malta's Ambassador-at-Large for Islands and Small States.
