David Adrian Janke, a British translator and entrepreneur, recently received the 2025 Hainan Friendship Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by Hainan authorities on foreign contributors. His journey to this milestone began when he arrived in the Chinese mainland’s Hainan Free Trade Port in early 2021, drawn by its pioneering policies and vibrant international community.
Since the Hainan Free Trade Port policy was implemented in June 2020, the province has seen a surge in foreign investment and expatriate activity. According to the Hainan Department of Commerce, from January to November 2025 the island registered 1,200 new foreign-invested enterprises—up 30% year-on-year—with over 4,500 expatriates now calling Hainan home.
Janke harnessed these opportunities to launch Meridian Translations, a Shanghai-based global localization firm he relocated to Haikou. Specializing in legal and business documents, the company now serves clients across eight countries and employs a team of 15 local and foreign professionals. “The streamlined customs procedures and preferential tax rates here have been game-changers,” he says.
Beyond business, Janke has immersed himself in local life—volunteering at language exchange events, leading workshops for young translators, and exploring Hainan’s natural landscapes on weekends. His story reflects a broader trend: digital nomads and global entrepreneurs see Hainan as more than a gateway to the Chinese mainland; they see it as home.
As Hainan prepares to host this year’s International Tourism Expo in December, officials expect over 10,000 visitors from 80 countries and regions. For Janke and thousands like him, the island represents a forward-looking model of how policy, culture, and community intersect to power global innovation.
“Hainan’s commitment to openness and sustainable development resonates with my values,” Janke says. “I’ve planted the seeds of my dreams here, and I can’t wait to watch them grow.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
