Haikou, Hainan, China, December 1, 2024 – Shaoren Gou, Canada & World Report
–At the scenic Hainan International Exhibition Center’s Hall 5, the sea
breeze carried hints of agarwood’s enchanting aroma, blending the
natural beauty of the tropics with the charm of a cultural and
industrial gathering. On December 1, the three-day 2024 Agarwood &
Rosewood International Conference concluded in Hainan, leaving an
indelible mark. With over 56,000 visitors and an impressive total
transaction value of 537 million RMB, this extraordinary event brought
together the essence of “fragrance and wood,” celebrating a thriving
industry and a rich cultural heritage.
Agarwood
and rosewood have been treasured by the Chinese for centuries. From the
ethereal fragrance of agarwood to the warm textures of rosewood, every
note and grain carries the profound legacy of Chinese culture and the
artistry of nature. Hainan, with its tropical maritime climate and
fertile soil, has nurtured some of the world’s finest agarwood and
rosewood, earning its place as a global hub for these natural treasures.
The
conference welcomed international buyers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE,
Malaysia, and other countries, who explored collaboration opportunities
with domestic and foreign enterprises. The event resulted in contracts
worth 2.5 billion RMB. During the opening ceremony, representatives from
various nations jointly launched an initiative to establish the “Global
Fragrance Industry Trade Alliance,” setting the stage for the future of
the agarwood industry on a global scale.
Throughout
the three days, the “Fragrance Competition” showcased Hainan agarwood’s
rich layers and lingering aroma, captivating both the senses and hearts
of attendees. The “Fragrance Exploration Journey” offered visitors a
behind-the-scenes look at agarwood planting, processing, and marketing,
providing a deeper appreciation for the cultural and industrial value of
agarwood and rosewood. Meanwhile, China’s first wild agarwood auction
achieved a remarkable total transaction value of 76.38 million RMB,
marking a milestone in the fusion of culture and commerce.
The
conference was not only a celebration of tradition but also a stage for
intellectual exchange. The main forum and 12 sub-forums gathered
leading scholars, cultural icons, and industry experts from around the
world to discuss topics ranging from the cultural significance of
agarwood and rosewood to genetic resource innovation and future
development trends.
During the release of the 2024 China Agarwood Industry Development Report,
it was revealed that China now has over 1 million mu (about 66,667
hectares) of agarwood plantations, with 140,000 mu located in Hainan.
These figures underscore the success of combining ecological
preservation with economic growth, painting a promising picture for the
industry’s future.
Hainan Agarwood Association President Zeng
Qingzhu, a pivotal figure in the industry, remarked, “This international
conference has not only elevated Hainan agarwood onto the global stage
but also provided innovative solutions for the fragrance industry
worldwide.” Zeng, who pioneered influential events like the Hainan Fragrance Fair, Heavenly Fragrance Envoy, and the International Fragrance Industry Forum,
has been instrumental in setting standards for the industry, including
the CETTIC “Fragrance Master” certification, agarwood classification
systems, and development plans.
He further emphasized, “The
Hainan Agarwood Association has always been dedicated to promoting the
local agarwood industry. Our members alone have planted 87,000 mu of
agarwood. We look forward to introducing Hainan and China’s agarwood to
more global consumers in the years to come.”
Hainan
rosewood, revered as “golden wood,” is celebrated for its rich textures
and intricate patterns. Pan Lusheng's statement highlights the
importance of Hainan's natural ecological resources, specifically
agarwood and pear, in both traditional and modern contexts. He
underscores how Hainan's unique products, including its traditional
Chinese medicine plant and craft resources, are being integrated into
contemporary needs. This combination reflects Hainan's efforts to
modernize and transform its industries, making them relevant both
domestically and internationally. His comments point to the growing
demand for these resources in society, suggesting that they play a
crucial role in the development of Hainan's economy and cultural
heritage in the modern era.
Zheng
Yongli, chairman of Hainan Daming Hall Enterprises and a
third-generation woodworker, has been a key figure in rosewood
craftsmanship since 1980. Reflecting on the event, Zheng noted, “Each
piece of rosewood furniture is a masterpiece of nature and human
artistry. This conference has demonstrated unparalleled unity within the
industry.”
Wang
Keyuan, President of the Agarwood Association in Dianbai District,
Maoming City, Guangdong Province, brought over 300 merchants and growers
to the conference. His Agarwood Mountain brand is renowned
both domestically and internationally. Wang praised Hainan’s efforts in
setting quality standards for agarwood and expressed hope for closer
collaboration between Guangdong and Hainan to further elevate the
fragrance industry on the global stage.
Saudi
exhibitor Ahmed Yesaad, deeply impressed by Hainan’s high-quality
agarwood, remarked, “Hainan agarwood is of exceptional quality. It
represents the future of the global agarwood industry.”
The
2024 Agarwood and Rosewood International Conference is jointly
organized by the Hainan Daily Newspaper Group and the China Collectors
Association, with co-hosting by the National Innovation Alliance for the
Agarwood Industry of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration
and the Hainan Folk Artists Association. The event is jointly
undertaken by Hainan Daily Co., Ltd., Hainan Haiwang Industrial Co.,
Ltd., and Hainan Hailv Exhibition Service Co., Ltd.. The conference,
with its diverse exhibitions, forums, and auctions, showcased the
cultural allure and economic potential of agarwood and rosewood. It
successfully built international collaboration channels, further
boosting the development of Hainan’s free trade port.
Hainan’s
natural advantages make it a prime location for producing world-class
agarwood and rosewood. Combined with a commitment to innovation and
craftsmanship, the province is poised to remain a leader in the global
industry. As Hainan’s government and industry organizations continue to
foster growth, the legacy of agarwood and rosewood will shine brighter
than ever, enriching both culture and commerce.
In three
unforgettable days, the conference was not merely an event but a journey
through fragrance and wood—a celebration of tradition, artistry, and
vision. As the 2024 Agarwood & Rosewood International Conference
concludes, its essence lingers, carried by the winds from Hainan,
touching hearts and inspiring dreams around the world.
Media Contact:
Steven Zhao
Canada & World Report
zhao@canadanewsreport.com
