In early December 2025, the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) launched special customs operations—a move hailed by Vietnam’s Ambassador to the Chinese mainland, Pham Thanh Binh, as a significant milestone in China’s ongoing opening up.
Pham highlighted that this initiative “unlocks new opportunities across different sectors” for the island’s largest trading partner, ASEAN. From digital trade to sustainable tourism, businesses and entrepreneurs are poised to benefit from streamlined procedures and enhanced cross-border flows.
Key advantages of the Hainan FTP’s new customs operations include:
- Faster clearance for e-commerce goods, empowering tech startups to scale regional operations.
- Enhanced cooperation in agriculture and aquaculture, bolstering high-quality food exports.
- Improved infrastructure for logistics and green supply chains, supporting sustainability goals.
For young global citizens and digital nomads, Hainan is emerging as a vibrant hub. The FTP’s digital customs platform simplifies visa-free stays and extends longer residency permits for international visitors. Meanwhile, sustainable travel initiatives are attracting eco-conscious explorers from across ASEAN.
Business and tech enthusiasts can leverage the FTP’s duty-free zones and preferential tax policies to test innovative products and services. Thought leaders and changemakers are also eyeing Hainan’s growing conference circuit, where discussions span clean energy, human rights, and regional connectivity.
Looking ahead, Pham expects bilateral trade between Vietnam and China’s Hainan island to grow “by leaps and bounds,” with joint ventures in renewable energy, smart agriculture, and cultural exchanges on the horizon. As the FTP continues to roll out new measures in 2026, ASEAN companies are well-positioned to tap into this evolving gateway.
With Hainan FTP’s latest customs reforms, the region is not just opening its doors—it’s inviting a new era of collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
Vietnamese envoy: Hainan FTP promotes high-quality bilateral trade
cgtn.com
