#China #Haikou #Hainan Free Trade Port #China Media #Hainan Media Tour

Hainan Media Tour: A Gateway to New Opportunities

From October 15 to 17, the Hainan International Media Center organized a comprehensive media tour that gathered representatives from over 20 domestic and international media organizations. The event aimed to explore the ongoing developments in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) and its special customs operations set to begin in December 2025.

During this three-day tour, journalists engaged in a series of insightful discussions with Hainan provincial officials regarding the FTP's policy framework. They had the opportunity to visit various locations across the island, including Haikou, Danzhou, Qionghai, and Sanya, to witness firsthand the implementation of policies, development of infrastructure, and growth of industries.

One of the major highlights was the announcement that the Hainan FTP will implement island-wide special customs operations, marking a significant moment in the province's efforts to become a pivotal gateway to China's opening up. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that aims to enhance trade connectivity and create a dynamic economic environment. The media representatives learned that a foundational policy and institutional framework has already been established for the FTP, including the implementation of China's first 'negative list' for cross-border trade in services. This list signifies a shift towards easing restrictions on market access, crucial for promoting international business.

Moreover, significant progress has been made in expanding tariff-free policies for value-added processed goods sold domestically throughout the island. The journalists were particularly impressed by the speed of industrial development in Hainan. For instance, Qi Jige from Macau Monthly highlighted the evolution of Yangpu Port into an international shipping hub, attributing this growth to collaborative policies and infrastructure improvements.

International media attention was also drawn to Hainan's medical innovations, particularly at Boao Lecheng, as noted by a Vietnamese journalist, who observed the advancements in healthcare offerings on the island. Additionally, Hong Kong Radio reporter Luo Weihao expressed hopes for enhanced cooperation between Hainan and Hong Kong, underlining the potential for cross-regional partnerships.

The tour also provided a close-up view of Hainan's thriving consumer sector. China Daily reporter Wang Junyue remarked on how effectively the duty-free city has integrated tourism and shopping experiences. The announcement of newly optimized departure duty-free policies demonstrated Hainan's commitment to innovation and enhancing visitor experiences.

The insights gathered during the Hainan Media Tour serve to illuminate the practical experiences and success stories of the Hainan FTP, showcasing its commitment to policy innovation, industrial growth, and international cooperation. These perspectives aim to create a bridge connecting Hainan to global audiences, enhancing the world’s understanding of this rapidly developing region.

As the Hainan FTP gears up for its official launch of special customs operations, the excitement among stakeholders and media representatives alike reflects a shared optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead. This event marks a pivotal moment for Hainan as it positions itself firmly in China's broader agenda for economic opening and development.