#China #Haikou #Hainan FTP #ASEAN Investment #Special Customs

Hainan's 100 Days of Special Customs Operations: Insights into ASEAN Investment

On March 27, 2026, the Hainan Daily Press Group, in collaboration with Malaysia's Nanyang Siang Pau, released a report detailing an insightful survey regarding ASEAN enterprises' willingness to invest in Hainan. This report comes after the Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP) celebrated 100 days of special customs operations, a significant milestone in its journey since its launch on December 18, 2025.

According to the findings, more than 70% of the surveyed ASEAN businesses recognize Hainan's strategic value as a transit or re-export hub, facilitating access to the vast Chinese market. The report serves as a critical benchmark, reflecting the heightened enthusiasm for investment in Hainan amidst ongoing benefits from its special customs operations.

The survey was conducted by the Hainan International Media Center (HIMC) ASEAN Liaison Center, utilizing a combination of online questionnaires and in-depth field research in November 2025. It encompassed 106 businesses across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Laos, representing diverse sectors such as manufacturing, commerce, logistics, and digital economy, including both SMEs and startups.

A significant shift in perspective was noted in the responses, as businesses moved from merely assessing political attraction to a comprehensive evaluation of institutional operational feasibility. The Hainan FTP is increasingly viewed not just as an industrial park or a tax haven but as a comprehensive institutional project.

The survey results highlighted that expectations surrounding