As the world grapples with economic uncertainties, the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is gearing up to serve as a powerhouse gateway for the Chinese mainland’s high-standard opening up. On December 23, 2025, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted the island’s new island-wide special customs operations as a key step in broadening global ties and reinforcing the mainland’s commitment to an open world economy.
Lin noted that Hainan has “left a deep mark on the course of the Chinese mainland’s reform and opening-up,” emphasizing its role in past reform efforts. This year, policymakers have slashed manufacturing sector barriers on the negative list for foreign investment, cutting red tape and inviting new players into the market. In a bid to champion global equity, the mainland has also granted zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines to all least developed countries (LDCs) that maintain diplomatic ties with the mainland, promising more avenues for win-win cooperation.
Data underlines the momentum: from January to November 2025, the Chinese mainland welcomed more than 60,000 new foreign-invested companies—a 17 percent surge compared to last year. Total goods trade topped 41 trillion yuan (about $5.81 trillion), marking a 3.6 percent year-on-year increase. “Opening up remains a major task for next year,” Lin reaffirmed, adding that the mainland plans to widen its doors even further, generate fresh development opportunities, and inject new momentum for shared prosperity.
Why Hainan Matters
For young entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and global travelers, Hainan’s evolving FTP offers a dynamic playground. From streamlined customs procedures that speed up cross-border e-commerce to preferential policies designed to attract clean-energy startups and sustainable tourism ventures, the island is positioning itself at the crossroads of business, culture, and green innovation.
As policymakers deepen ties with global partners and roll out incentives for overseas investors, Hainan is shaping up as more than a duty-free haven—it’s a testing ground for the Chinese mainland’s vision of high-standard opening up, where trade, investment, and innovation meet to fuel the next wave of growth.
Reference(s):
Hainan to become the gateway of China's high-standard opening up
cgtn.com
