Recently, Yazhou District in Sanya inaugurated the Yazhou Tropical Agriculture Science International Talent Station. More than 20 international postdoctoral researchers, students, and scientists from nine countries—Pakistan, Egypt, Myanmar, Thailand, Ethiopia, Sudan, Malaysia, the United States, and Nigeria—have already settled in, bringing fresh momentum into international collaboration in tropical agricultural science and technology.

The Yazhou Tropical Agriculture Science International Talent Station officially opens in Sanya’s Yazhou District

Photo: Publicity Department of the CPC Yazhou District Committee

Aiming to establish a “Yazhou Model” for supporting overseas talent, the station is collaborating with government agencies and research institutions to develop a comprehensive service platform for international professionals. This platform will streamline processes such as visa and residence permit applications, housing support, research collaboration, and cultural integration. By 2028, it is expected to assist over 100 international researchers.

Unlike traditional lab research, these scientists work directly in the field for extended periods, applying their advanced knowledge of tropical crop breeding and related fields to improve agricultural conditions. Their work emphasizes practical outcomes such as developing new crop varieties, managing pests and diseases, and advancing cultivation methods. Huang Qixing, director of the Yazhou Tropical Agriculture Science International Talent Hub, notes that a researcher from Sudan has been stationed at a mango plantation for a long time, living and working on-site. This exemplifies how international scientists are increasingly engaging in hands-on, frontline tropical agricultural research in China.

The station is transforming into a global hub for scientific cooperation in tropical agriculture. Researchers from around the world are contributing their expertise and practical technologies to local projects, fostering industrial innovation and upgrading. Additionally, the hub provides international scientists with opportunities to conduct research on Nanfan seed breeding and on methods to accelerate crop breeding cycles using Hainan’s unique tropical climate, along with other key technologies. This promotes the exchange of knowledge in tropical crop breeding. Supported by the favorable policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the platform is steadily building a network for international collaboration in agricultural science and technology.

A representative from the Yazhou District Talent Development Service Center stated that the station offers a dedicated platform for global talent exchange. Moving forward, the district aims to maintain an open, inclusive, and efficient environment that attracts overseas experts to come, stay, and succeed, supporting Yazhou's goal of becoming a premier hub for international cooperation in tropical agricultural research.