On December 18, the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) officially launched island-wide special customs operations. The move marks a significant step forward in advancing the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, as well as deepening the process of opening up. It has drawn broad attention from overseas Chinese communities, foreign nationals living in Hainan, and the international business community.

The launch of island-wide special customs operations saw bustling activity at the Yangpu International Container Terminal. (Photo: Chen Yuancai / Hainan Daily Omnimedia Center)

Overseas Chinese look forward to new opportunities for connectivity

The launch of island-wide special customs operations has sparked a positive response among overseas Chinese communities worldwide.

Wang Hua, Co-Chairman of the Federation of Chinese Associations in Canada, stated that the launch of the initiative will see Hainan implement even more open policies, enabling freer and more convenient international exchanges while fostering closer and more efficient links with the Chinese mainland.

"This is a moment that fills me with pride," said Tan Yoke Han, Chairman of the Singapore Hainan Society. He noted that the launch signifies smoother global connectivity for Hainan, while maintaining efficient ties with the mainland, an essential factor in enhancing the international competitiveness of the Hainan FTP. As an overseas Chinese with deep roots in Hainan, Tan expressed his heartfelt wish for the province's sanguine future.

Ji Feilong, Executive Vice President of the Hainan General Chamber of Commerce, announced that his team will soon begin filming a movie titled "Embers of Light" in Hainan, focusing on the island's marine culture. He hopes that cultural projects like this will help promote deeper cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Hainan and the rest of the world.

Foreign nationals choose Hainan and share in Hainan's growth

As the FTP develops, Hainan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for foreign nationals to live and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. The launch of special customs operations has further strengthened their confidence in long-term development on the island.

Hassan, a Pakistani investment promotion manager working at the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, said that Hainan's open and inclusive environment, along with its convenient talent policies, enabled him to reorient quickly. He believes that special customs operations will accelerate the inflow of global medical innovation resources into Lecheng, attracting more international enterprises and experts, and he is willing to contribute his efforts to this process.

Zeeshan Qasim Khan, also from Pakistan, chose to start his own foreign trade company in Hainan after completing his studies there. He said that the province's policy advantages and strategic location have supported his company's growth. After the launch of special customs operations, goods will move in and out more smoothly, and connections with global markets will become even closer, giving him strong confidence in the island's prospects.

Heiko Roeder, Managing Director of Atlantis Sanya, noted that special customs operations will further internationalise Hainan's tourism and consumption environment, attracting more overseas visitors. At the same time, the "zero-tariff" policy will facilitate the introduction of international brands and products, enhancing visitor experience. The resort plans to leverage these advantages to upgrade services and strengthen its competitiveness in the global high-end tourism market.

International business community sees Hainan as a cooperation hub

In the eyes of the international business community, the launch of special customs operations has enabled Hainan to emerge as a key platform for deepening regional cooperation and entering the Chinese market.

Mario Boselli, Chairman of the Fondazione Italia Cina, said that Hainan could serve as a gateway for Italian enterprises to access not only the Chinese market but also broader Asian markets. He expressed hope that businesses on both sides will seize the opportunities to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

Pua Eng Teck, Secretary-General of the Malaysia ASEAN–China Economic and Trade Development Promotion Association, said that policies such as "zero tariffs" in the Hainan FTP provide Malaysian enterprises with a springboard for entering the Chinese mainland market. He noted strong complementarities between the two sides in tourism consumption, the digital economy, and green energy. He further stated that cooperation could be further deepened under regional trade arrangements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

From a legal and cooperation perspective, Dato' Dr. Ricky Tan Seng Cheong, First Deputy President of the Federation of Hainan Associations of Malaysia, noted that after the launch of special customs operations, cross-border commercial dispute resolution mechanisms will become more efficient and intellectual property protection more robust, helping to reduce legal risks in business cooperation. He suggested that Hainan further enhance its promotion in ASEAN markets and highlight its advantages in industrial chain coordination.

The launch of island-wide special customs operations at the Hainan FTP marks not only a new starting point for Hainan's own development, but also offers international partners a more convenient environment for cooperation and broader market opportunities. As policies continue to take effect, Hainan is positioning itself as a vital hub connecting the Chinese mainland with global markets.