Inauguration Ceremony of the FAO–Hainan Programme Cooperation Office (FAO-HAINAN PCO) Opening Remarks

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Good morning!

Today, I am truly delighted and excited to inaugurate the FAO–Hainan Programme Cooperation Office (FAO-HAINAN PCO), established in close partnership with the Government of China and the Hainan Provincial authorities, and to conduct a field visit on agricultural and rural development of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, the People’s Government of Hainan Province, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hainan Province, the People’s Government of Sanya City, and the leaders and partners whose vision and dedication have made this office a reality. History will remember the far-sighted vision, steadfast resolve, decisive actions and broad perspective that China has demonstrated in advancing a community with a shared future for mankind, grounded in openness and international cooperation.

The establishment of this office reflects a shared strategic vision between FAO and China to strengthen structured and sustained collaboration on tropical agriculture and to promote open innovation and win–win collaboration, with a forward-looking and action-oriented approach.

Hainan occupies a unique and strategic position in China’s tropical agrifood systems. With its distinctive tropical climate, rich biodiversity, cultural heritage and clear comparative advantages—combined with a growing concentration of national-level scientific and educational institutions, particularly here in Yazhouwan Science and Technology City—the province is rapidly emerging as a global hub for innovation and development in tropical agriculture, a gateway connecting China with the world, and a leading platform for international cooperation in agrifood systems research, education and private-sector development.

The development, innovation and improvement in tropical agriculture is central to global food security. The livelihoods of many of the world’s most vulnerable communities in over 110 countries depend on tropical agrifood systems that are increasingly exposed to the impacts of the climate crisis, pests and diseases, frequent disasters and land degradation. The foundations of tropical agriculture remain fragile with limited resilience. These challenges still do not receive the level of attention that they urgently require.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The foremost priority of the FAO–Hainan Programme Cooperation Office will be to deepen comprehensive cooperation within the framework of the Hainan Free Trade Port, leveraging Hainan’s local strengths as regional advantages and global best practices. It will serve both as a coordination and an enabling platform, fostering closer and more effective engagement between FAO, provincial authorities, national research institutions and international partners.

The Office will support:

One: Pilot activities and technical exchanges in tropical crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, marine environment and agroforestry;

Two: Innovation and entrepreneurship in germplasm conservation, seed systems, and biotechnology relevant to tropical conditions; and

Three: South–South and Triangular Cooperation, allowing experiences from Hainan to benefit other tropical and subtropical regions for tangible results.

This Office was established as a strategic initiative at a time when FAO is accelerating efforts to transform global agrifood systems towards greater efficiency, inclusiveness, resilience and sustainability. FAO stands ready to work hand-in-hand with China, with Hainan, and with its Members to promote the transformation and development of agriculture and rural areas in tropical regions, to strengthen agrifood systems, and to fully deliver on the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life – leaving no one behind!

Through this Office, I wish to support China’s leadership in:

First: Advancing climate-resilient tropical agriculture and sustainable use of natural resources;

Second: Strengthening science-based innovation and forum dialogue in tropical agrifood systems; and

Third: Promoting rural livelihoods, strengthening capacity development and knowledge sharing of relevance to FAO Members at national and international levels, while advancing regional integration and mobilizing global partnerships for the sustainable development of tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

FAO does not work alone. This Office is designed to bring partners together, reflecting our belief that cooperation generates synergy and mutual support leads to shared success. The establishment of the Office is precisely intended to harness the collective wisdom of our partners and build a strong, united force for action.

Its success will depend on:

Chinese Government institutions at national and provincial levels for close collaboration and solid support;

All partners, including research institutes, universities, and innovation platforms for their intelligence inputs and coordinated actions; and

Farmers’ organizations, the private sector, and development partners for hard work on the ground and commitment to shared benefits.

I am confident that FAO’s strengths in global food and agriculture governance—its authoritative, long-standing technical expertise and unmatched worldwide network—will complement and align with the policy and institutional advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Hainan’s expertise in tropical agricultural science and education, and China’s systemic and institutional strengths, all guided by openness, reform, and pragmatic, results-oriented thinking. Together, they will nurture countless 'flowers of cooperation,' with each blossom inspiring many more, helping to cultivate a world-class garden of multilateralism.

Dear Colleagues, friends,

Reform and opening up is the key to advancing China’s modernization efforts, and it is also the key to the growth and success of any organization, locality or system. The development of the Hainan Free Trade Port represents a strategic opportunity and the most fitting choice in the current context.

Finally, let me extend my warm congratulations to every colleague who has devoted wisdom and hard work to the establishment of the FAO–Hainan Programme Cooperation Office (FAO-HAINAN PCO). Today, by establishing a solid foundation guided by a forward-looking vision, we have taken a decisive first step on a new Long March. Our thinking shapes our pathways, our attitude shapes our decisions, and our actions shape our future.

As the Year of the Horse approaches, FAO will 一马当先 (be ahead of the pack) at full gallop in providing its strongest support, in the hope of unleashing a mighty surge of actions.

I wish the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port swift progress and 马到成功（instant success).

I encourage you to be like fine steeds—千里马 (capable of running a thousand miles a day), driving yourselves forward with unstoppable momentum, without the need for a whip.

I wish you all great success!

Happy new year!

Thank you!