Since the Chinese Government released a master plan in 2020 detailing policies for the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the southern island province has been attracting young entrepreneurs from home and abroad. Ghanaian entrepreneur Broohm Cecil Nii-Quaye is one of them.

Cecil came to China five years ago to study business management at Bohai University in Liaoning Province of northern China. His plan was to start a business after he graduated and he did extensive research to decide which would be the best province for his venture. Generally, Africans prefer to do business from Guangdong Province in the south, which is a thriving hub of entrepreneurs from the continent as well as other expats. However, he chose neighboring Hainan instead.

“I thought about a place where I would feel comfortable to do business. It had nothing to do with the number of foreigners in that place, it had to do with the environment that would be conducive to business or designed for the growth of business. Hainan looked like a place where I could do business successfully and have peace of mind while doing so,” he said.

The relocation from the cold north of China to the tropical south was an amazing and fresh experience. Many people find it difficult to adapt to the change but the moment Cecil arrived in Hainan, he felt at home because of the sunny weather and the scenic beauty. Subsequently, he integrated into Hainan society easily.

After researching the Hainan market and analyzing his advantages, Cecil selected tech designing and production, procurement and supply chain management and branding as the main thrusts of his ambitious business plan. Though he did not understand the Hainanese dialect, the island has facilitated communication with international visitors and Cecil got his work permit within 22 days.

What impressed him most was Hainan’s cultural tolerance. He found the locals welcome international visitors, who can find a sense of belonging in the island’s cultural diversity.

For the development of the FTP, the young entrepreneur suggests Hainan should cultivate its “people” factor. To attract more talents and investors from abroad, the procedures for international visitors can be simplified further and more cultural diversity promoted.