SYDNEY TO HOST MAJOR CHINA CONGRESS AND EXHIBITION

In a ground-breaking move, Sydney has been chosen to host a major congress and cultural exhibition which focuses on the Chinese island state of Hainan, the “Hawaii of the East”.

The 14th Congress of the World Federation of Hainanese Associations is to take place in the harbour city from Friday, October 30 until Sunday, November 1, along with the 2015 Hainanese Culture Exhibition, aimed to highlight the island’s fascinating traditions, cultural strengths and many other leisure and business attributes.

It’s the first time in the association’s 25-year history the biannual event will take place in Australia having already been held twice in Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and Hainan Island, and once in Malaysia, Macau and the USA.

More than 1500 delegates from over 20 countries and regions are to attend the three-day event, the congress aiming to promote strong relationships, and enhance mutual benefits and sustainable development between the Hainanese communities from the different nations around the globe, Australia included.

The program includes a colourful opening ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on the Saturday including the raising of flags, a cultural theatrical performance, gala dinner cruise and spectacular fireworks display over the harbour.

Leading Federal and State government officials will also attend the ceremony. Prior to the congress and cultural celebrations, the association will meet with NSW Premier Mike Baird in Parliament House on the Friday.

On the Sunday, focus will move to Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park for a world summit, youth development forum and a cultural festival which includes colourful performances, an impressive Hainan photographic exhibition and an expo of Australian products.

Flying from China for the event will be famous Hainanese artists, calligraphers, theatrical performers and a professional cultural troupe.

Both the congress and cultural exhibition were jointly organised by the Federation of Australian Hainanese Organisations and the Hainan State Office.

Following the three-day program, the delegation will visit Melbourne and New Zealand’s Auckland, ending their inaugural Southern Hemisphere tour on November 6.