This is Hainan

Exclusive interview with Sergei Mikhailov by hinews.cn (Photo by Ma Zitao)

"Hainan is an astonishing place. Russia and Hainan can cooperate in tourism, culture, economy, trade and other fields with broad prospects," Sergei Mikhailov, Director General of Information Telegraphic Agency of Russia-TASS, said in an interview with hinews.cn on May 11 during his visit to Hainan recently.

Russia and Hainan may strengthen cooperation in tourism, culture, economy and trade

Although it was  the first time to visit Hainan, Sergei Mikhailov was deeply impressed by the local views.

He said, "I have been to China dozens of times, like Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Guangzhou and many other places. Hainan, the southernmost part of China, is really an amazing place. The people of Hainan are hospitable. The environment is beautiful, the climate is pleasant, and the food are unbelievable."　　

During his visit to Hainan, Sergei Mikhailov was most surprised that the people of Hainan were very interested in Russian history and culture. He said that Russia and Hainan could enhance cultural exchanges. On the same day, the art exhibition of "the Belt and Road Initiative" art exhibition held by the Hainan-Repin Academy of Fine Arts in Hainan Museum. It exhibited the works of Russian painters in Hainan. He saw this kind of activity as the best example of cultural exchange.

Movie is seen as one of the bridges of cultural exchanges. Talking about the Hainan International Film Festival, he said, "Russian filmmakers and film commercial organizations are very interested in it. Through films, cultural exchanges between the two sides can also be strengthened."

Sergei Mikhailov believes that in addition to cultural exchanges, Russia and Hainan may cooperate in a wide range of fields. Any way to promote cooperation and exchanges between the two sides, such as economy and trade, is very promising. "Hainan Island is building the pilot free trade zone. In this case, the economic cooperation development between two countries may have a bright future."

"Hainan has great attraction for Russian tourists"

In the interview, Sergei Mikhailov frequently described the development of Hainan with “surprise” and “shock”, especially when he was talking about Sanya. He said, "Thirty years ago, it was just a small underdeveloped place. It took only 30 years to build this beautiful city. This is shocking. "

In recent years, Sanya has benefited from a series of favorable policies, such as the entry visa-free policy in Hainan from 59 countries, and other many measures have been taken to enhance the international attractiveness of Sanya's tourism. In 2018, Sanya received more than 200,000 Russian tourists.

According to Sergei Mikhailov, "From this trip to Hainan, I am confident in Hainan's tourism market. Hainan's services in terms of food, housing and transportation are very good. If the barriers of language can be overcame, it is believed that more than 200,000 Russian tourists will come every year in the future, and much likely to be beyond the expectations. "

TASS will set up the  page for Hainan on the official website

On the morning of May 9, Sergei Mikhailov and his delegation visited the Hainan Daily Press Group, included the Hainan Daily History Exhibition Hall and hinews.cn. In this interview, he praised the efficiency of hinews.cn. "Truly efficient! I just came out from of the elevator, the bilingual news about my visit in Chinese and English has been published on the big screen of hinew.cn."

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. The deepening cooperation between TASS and Hainan has emerged as required. TASS will make Hainan an important part of its news coverage of China, and set up a special page for Hainan on its official website. TASS hopes to work with Hainan to deepen practical cooperation in news communication and cultural exchanges.

This visit is intended to promote the implementation of the Memorandum that signed by the People's Government of Hainan Province and Information Telegraphic Agency of TASS in 

Moscow in September 2018, and the Agreement that signed in Hainan in January 2019.