HAIKOU /China/, June 22. /TASS/. South China's Hainan Province has opened a channel for importing seeds and seedlings through Phoenix International Airport of Sanya, the Nanguo Metropolis Daily reported.

According to the paper, the first batch of such products - wheat grains from Switzerland – recently arrived in Sanya. They were delivered via Hong Kong and will be used for scientific experiments.

A special site has been allocated to ensure effective control over the import of seeds and seedlings on the territory of Phoenix, the report noted. The local customs office assists in ensuring that the shipment passes through all necessary procedures promptly.

The opening of the import channel is expected to stimulate the development of seed production, which is a strategic field in the formation of the Hainan Free Trade Port. In addition, the southernmost Chinese province will be able to play an even greater role as a transit point for importing plant and animal genetic materials into China from around the world.

According to Haikou City Customs, Hainan has imported more than 400 varieties of soybean, corn and rye seeds, as well as durian and date palm seedlings (36,000 and 25,000 respectively) in the past three years.

Hainan plays an important role in research and production activities to improve yields and develop new varieties of many plants. There is a solid seed cluster in Sanya, which should become China's "Breeding Silicon Valley" in the future. The provincial authorities actively encourage international projects in the relevant field, and constantly organize exhibitions and conferences with the participation of leading specialists from all over the world, including Russia.