From coffee to dates, food tells a story of close connection
If one single item could tell the story of agricultural connection between Hainan Province and the Middle East, it would surely be the date. Behind this fruit, carrying the sunlight of the desert, lies a pledge that spans mountains and seas. The story begins in October 2019, when a summit meeting between Chinese and UAE leaders gave shape to a warm and far-reaching agreement, planting the seeds…
Hainan Province and the Middle East share a deep agricultural connection, exemplified by the date palm. This story began in October 2019 when Chinese and UAE leaders signed an agreement fostering cooperation between the regions. In 2021, 1,500 date palm seedlings journeyed from Abu Dhabi to Hainan, where they flourished and began bearing fruit by 2024.
The partnership expanded in 2024 when the UAE donated 23,500 more seedlings, deepening the bond. The first batch of Hainan-grown dates arrived in Dubai, while local produce finds its way to Middle Eastern markets. Coffee enterprises also see potential in this partnership, with Hainan's coffee industry exploring international markets.
Robust connectivity, including direct international routes and shipping corridors, enables these food items to cross borders. These daily food exchanges symbolize the deep, mutually beneficial cooperation between Hainan and the UAE.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
