On December 16, 2024, the groundbreaking ceremony for the China-EU (Baoting) Green and Digital Innovation Zone (hereinafter referred to as the “Baoting Innovation Zone”), jointly organized by the People’s Government of Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County and the Ningyuan Institute of Climate and Sustainable Development (Hainan), was held in Baoting, Hainan. The ceremony was presided over by Mu Kerui, Secretary of the Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County Committee. Distinguished attendees included Xie Zhenhua, China’s first Special Envoy for Climate Change, Zheng Xinli, former Deputy Director of the Central Policy Research Office, Fu Caixiang, Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress, Li Yueping, former General Manager of China Anneng Construction Group Co., Ltd., Shi Leiming, Party Secretary and Chairman of PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited, Wang Huixian, County Governor of Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County and Cheng Kaiyu, Deputy General Manager of PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited.

Ms. Fu Caixiang emphasized that the Baoting Innovation Zone represents a pioneering initiative aligned with global climate action, China's "dual-carbon" strategy, the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, and the vision of a "Beautiful China Pioneer Zone." Hainan Province will steadfastly support the Zone's construction, driving high-quality projects to establish a China-EU collaborative model for green and digital development, including mutual standards recognition and implementation mechanisms that harmonize economic, ecological, and social benefits.

Mr. Zheng Xinli highlighted that the Baoting Innovation Zone is a transnational, multi-level, and cross-sectoral innovation platform that will position Hainan as an open hub for global climate and sustainable development cooperation. With its official launch, the zone will transition from vision to action, to realizing a "zero-carbon Baoting," a "healthy Baoting," and an "innovative Baoting"—showcasing an eco-based Hainan Free Trade Port while contributing to the UN’s climate actions and sustainable development goals.

Mr. Shi Leiming underscored the Zone's significance as a pilot for China’s dual-carbon commitments and a sustainable modernization model. As a key partner, PowerChina Huadong Engineering will leverage its technical, talent, and resource strengths to ensure the planning and construction of the Ningyuan Carbon Neutrality Project and the cooperation zone. This effort will support Hainan’s Zero Carbon Island vision, establish a replicable model for green county-level development, and share China’s sustainable development achievements globally.

The Baoting Innovation Zone is a globally pioneering project, establishing a "Carbon Standards Mutual Recognition Pilot" for China-EU collaboration and serving as a "Practice Site for the UNFCCC Climate and Health Declaration." The Ningyuan Carbon Neutrality Project, located at the east of Baoting County, will serve as the launch area, aiming to become an " International Destination for Climate-Responsive Wellness", a " Hub for Proactive Health and Emerging Sustainable Industries", a " Demonstration Site for the 1.5°C Lifestyle " and an " Origin for International Climate Standards".