Hainan offers fertile ground for fruit farmers from Taiwan

High-quality produce

Chen Teng-nan, 68, from New Taipei City in Taiwan, was also attracted by the opportunities on offer in Hainan.

In 2017, he decided to move to Qionghai city to open a fruit-processing plant as he realized that the high-quality produce could be used to make juice products that would be welcome on the mainland.

His company imports seedlings from Taiwan to help local farmers grow high-value fruit, and signs contracts with them to purchase their produce at a specified price for processing.

"The local farmers don't have to worry about sales, and they can earn a good profit," Chen said, adding that the business model allows his company to obtain raw materials at a competitive cost.

Wang Quan, a resident of Hongzhuang village, said, "Our sugar cane not only sells well but also sells for more than the market price." About 60 households in Hongzhuang have signed contracts with Chen's company to grow yellow sugar cane.

The rapid growth of orders at his juice factory has prompted Chen to expand the scale of his activities.

When a new factory is completed, the number of employees will rise from about 200 at present to 500, providing more job opportunities for local people, he said.

Achieving fast growth in recent years and planning an initial public offering in the near future, Chen said he also gives back to the local community. Moreover, the many opportunities he provides help raise the incomes of local fruit growers.

He also undertakes public welfare activities by conducting poverty alleviation efforts and helping to provide education for underprivileged children.