Hainan, Volkswagen to consolidate and expand cooperation

The Hainan government and Volkswagen Group China will consolidate and expand their existing cooperation on the automotive industry and mobility projects under a framework agreement for comprehensive cooperation signed on Friday during the 2023 World New Energy Vehicle Congress, which was held from Thursday to Saturday in Haikou, South China's Hainan province.

"As we accelerate our 'In China, for China' strategy, we are excited to embark on this new chapter of mutually-beneficial collaboration with Hainan province, and together take advantage of the many opportunities provided by Hainan Free Trade Port. These include the wide range of mobility services, vocational education, and marketing projects covered by this agreement," said Liu Yunfeng, executive vice-president of Volkswagen Group China, responsible for corporate and joint venture affairs.

"Together with our partners, we look forward to playing a significant role in promoting the economic and industrial development of Hainan province," he added.

This agreement will bring a new vitality to the development of intelligent new energy vehicles and economic and social development in Hainan province, said Chen Zhixin, vice-chairman of Hainan New Energy Vehicle Industry International Expert Advisory Committee, at the signing ceremony.

The construction of Hainan FTP is in a stage of policy dividend release and high-quality development, and Hainan has become a new hot spot for investment by domestic and foreign major enterprises, said Feng Fei, Party secretary of Hainan, while meeting with Ralf Brandstatter, member of the management board of the Volkswagen Group, and his delegation on Friday.

"We hope to take this signing as a chance to explore more new opportunities for collaborations and promote deeper and more solid cooperation between both sides. Hainan will do its best to ensure all services and effective implementation of practical cooperation," he said.

Under the agreement, the Hainan government and Volkswagen Group China will continue their collaborations with local institutions to optimize professional talent development plans, enhance the capabilities of tutors at local automotive vocational colleges, and work toward the creation of a qualification certification system. Moreover, the group will support Haikou Technician College and other vocational colleges to participate in the Sino-German Advanced Vocational Education Project.

Volkswagen and its subsidiaries also intend to initiate pilot projects for clean energy and sequential charging services in Hainan.

Volkswagen Group China and China International Consumer Products Expo plan to establish a long-term strategic partnership where, in an initial phase, Hainan will support the group to participate in the event between 2024 and 2026.