A high-level delegation from Hainan, the only island province of the People's Republic of China, visited the University of Malta on 19 September. The delegation was visiting Malta to explore various avenues of collaboration with respect to the maritime sector. The delegation was welcomed to the UM by Pro-Rector Godfrey Baldacchino, who has been to Hainan to participate in the research and educational activities of its provincial government regarding island development trajectories.
Mr Mao Chaofeng, Executive Vice Governor of the Hainan Provincial Government, and head of the 6-person delegation, expressed his satisfaction at the University of Malta's interest in and support of Hainan's mission to serve as a free port and free trade zone, also as part of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative.
On behalf of UM, Prof. Baldacchino welcomed Mr Mao's suggestion of sending up to 20 students from Hainan to UM in order to study maritime issues - from engineering, governance and island studies perspectives - at doctoral level.