Earlier this year, authorities introduced an island-wide customs closure scheme in the Hainan Free Trade Port, tearing down internal checkpoints and creating a unified customs area across the province.
Imagine landing at any airport or port in Hainan and moving goods, capital and people as freely as on the same quay. This high-level institutional innovation is designed to streamline export and import processes, reduce administrative hurdles and cut clearance times.
"The island-wide customs closure of the Hainan Free Trade Port represents a high-level institutional innovation that facilitates trade, investment, cross-border capital flows and personnel exchanges," says Philip G. Laird, Vice President of Innovation, Global and Academic Partnerships at Trinity Western University. He describes the move as a landmark step in the Chinese mainland's deepening opening-up.
The reform builds on Hainan's broader mission to become a global hub for business, tourism and innovation by 2035. By harmonizing customs checks, local authorities aim to boost domestic circulation within the island, attract overseas investors and create a more agile environment for startups and digital nomads.
For young entrepreneurs, thought leaders and travelers alike, the island-wide closure means fewer delays, lower costs and more seamless experiences—from e-commerce shipments to cross-border fintech services. As Hainan stakes its claim on the world stage, this move showcases how targeted regulatory changes can deliver real-world impact.
Looking ahead, experts anticipate that Hainan's model could serve as a blueprint for other regions seeking to deepen integration and scale up trade facilitation across borders.
Reference(s):
Hainan's special customs operations:A milestone in China’s opening-up
cgtn.com
