Hainan Hosts Successful 2024 Agarwood & Rosewood International Conference
Hainan, China – The scenic Hainan International Exhibition Center’s Hall 5 was the perfect setting for the three-day 2024 Agarwood & Rosewood International Conference, which concluded on December 1. With over 56,000 visitors and a total transaction value of 537 million RMB, this event brought together the essence of “fragrance and wood,” celebrating a thriving industry and rich cultural heritage.
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.
Hainan, renowned for 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 “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
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.