#China #Haikou #Hainan FTP #ASEAN Investment #Nanyang Siang Pau

Hainan's Special Customs Operations Boost ASEAN Investment Interest

In a groundbreaking survey conducted by the Hainan International Media Center, it was revealed that over 70% of surveyed ASEAN businesses recognize Hainan's strategic role as a transit and re-export platform for accessing the Chinese mainland market. This announcement coincided with the 100-day mark of the special customs operations that commenced on December 18, 2025, in the Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP).

The release of this report signifies the growing enthusiasm among ASEAN firms for investing in Hainan. According to the survey, which was conducted in collaboration with the Hainan Daily Press Group and Malaysia's long-established financial newspaper Nanyang Siang Pau, the findings serve as a direct reference for enhancing economic and trade cooperation between Hainan and ASEAN countries.

As political advantages of the special customs operations come into play, the excitement among ASEAN enterprises regarding investments in Hainan continues to rise. The report, which encompasses data from 106 companies across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Laos—including SMEs, startups, and professional investor organizations—demonstrates a shift in assessment from merely recognizing political attractiveness to evaluating the institutional operational feasibility of the Hainan FTP.

The survey indicates that ASEAN companies now view Hainan not just as an industrial park or tax haven, but as a comprehensive institutional project. The findings have shown that financial support and facilitation have surpassed expectations, becoming the top priority for government assistance. This was closely followed by rule of law and market environment concerns and political interpretation and guidance.

In particular, the data highlights that ASEAN firms expect Hainan to function as a buffer and interface zone. They should aid in navigating domestic market entry, compliance risks, and establishing enterprises through practical case studies and scenario-based guidance.

Through thorough online surveys complemented by in-depth field research conducted in November 2025, the report provides invaluable insights into the evolving relationship between Hainan and ASEAN businesses. The companies surveyed come from key sectors including manufacturing, trade, logistics, services, and the digital economy.

For those interested in delving deeper into the survey results, a bilingual report is accessible online. Interested readers can visit the Hainan International Media Center website to learn more.

This newly found traction in ASEAN investment towards Hainan could potentially reposition the island as a significant hub for Chinese enterprises aiming to venture globally, while also serving as a gateway for ASEAN companies to penetrate the vast Chinese market. The implications of this are undoubtedly transformative for regional economic dynamics, signaling a new era of collaboration and trade facilitation between Hainan and its ASEAN counterparts.

In conclusion, the promising results of the survey highlight that Hainan's ongoing development as a free trade port could serve as a catalyst for future investments from ASEAN nations. As interest in this strategic location grows, stakeholders are encouraged to explore the potential advantages of doing business in Hainan, paving the way for enriched economic ties in the region.