Foreign investment in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) has grown increasingly active during 2025 as China’s largest free-trade zone gears up for the launch of island-wide special customs operations, with paid-up foreign capital in the first three quarters of this year growing by over 42% year-on-year, totaling 18.368 billion yuan by the end of September. 1,513 foreign-invested enterprises also established operations in the island province during the same period, representing a year-on-year increase of 12.2%.

An aerial view of the Global Trade Window standing along Guoxing Avenue in Haikou, Hainan. 

The strengthening of Hainan’s policy framework, industrial foundations, and business environment has been a key factor in drawing overseas investment projects to the island. They include the recently approved Hainan Lausanne Tourism University by EHL Group, a directly owned subsidiary of Sonova Group in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, and Hainan’s first foreign-funded stem cell project in the Haikou National High-tech Industrial Development Zone.

At the 2025 Hainan Free Trade Port Enterprise Globalization Summit held in August, 20 firms inked investment agreements covering international headquarters, cross-border trade, the digital economy, and other sectors, further demonstrating Hainan’s global investment appeal.

Night view in Haikou, with office buildings illuminated to highlight the city’s modern urban landscape.

Since the beginning of this year, the Hainan FTP has hosted a series of policy and investment promotion events ahead of the launch of special customs operations on December 18, conducting a major campaign to attract overseas investment projects. In addition, the FTP has been working to create a top-notch environment for domestic and overseas companies seeking to leverage it as a springboard for market expansion.