Hainan GI products boost rural vitalization

In recent years, Hainan province has promoted the use of the geographical indication (GI) designation and created regional characteristic brands, which has achieved practical results in promoting rural vitalization.

In July 2021, Hainan issued an action plan to promote the use of the GI designation, focusing on improving the standard system, inspection and testing system, as well as quality assurance system of GI products, striving to cultivate GI advantageous industries. To date, the province has 116 GI products.

Xiao Chao, director of the Intellectual Property Office of Hainan Province, said that the implementation of the GI promotion project is boosting Hainan's rural vitalization.

Currently, Sanya mangoes have a planting area of more than 360,000 mu (24,000 hectares) and an annual output value of nearly 6 billion yuan ($861 million), ranking first in Hainan province. The Sanya Mango Association has implemented a village-enterprise linkage development model, providing tens of thousands of employment opportunities.

Relying on its superior resources, Ledong has vigorously developed the money tree, also commonly referred to as Guiana chestnut, planting industry. After years of development, it is home to 187 planting bases, with a planting area of 9,600 mu, and an annual output value of 1.2 billion yuan. These products are sold to many domestic provinces, as well as Japan, South Korea, Europe, America, and other countries and regions.

Wenchang chicken is known as the first among the "four famous dishes" in Hainan. Since it was recognized as a GI product in 2004, the protection of Wenchang chicken has been continuously strengthened. The number of farms has grown to more than 1,800, with an annual output of 57.13 million chickens and an annual output value of 2.4 billion yuan, making it one of the most important industries in Wenchang.