China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is gearing up to become China’s key gateway for next-level opening up, spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing on December 23, 2025. This follows the launch of island-wide special customs operations—imagine supercharged lanes for imports and exports 🚀.
“Hainan has left a deep mark on the course of China’s reform and opening-up,” Lin said. Facing global economic uncertainties, China is showing its commitment to openness with real actions: fighting protectionism and championing an open world economy 🌍.
Key measures include:
- Removing manufacturing from the “negative list” (the list of sectors with restricted foreign investment), so more overseas investors can dive into Hainan’s production scene.
- Granting zero-tariff treatment on all 100% tariff lines for least developed countries (LDCs) with diplomatic ties to China, paving the way for win-win cooperation.
From January to November 2025, China welcomed over 60,000 new foreign-invested companies—a 17% jump year-on-year—while total goods trade topped 41 trillion yuan (around US$5.8 trillion), up 3.6% YoY 📈.
Looking ahead to 2026, Lin reaffirmed that opening up will remain a top task. China plans to open even wider, create more development opportunities, and inject fresh momentum into global shared prosperity 🤝.
For young innovators in South and Southeast Asia, this means smoother customs for your tech gadgets, easier market access for startups, and more room for green-tech and e-commerce collabs in Hainan’s buzzing ecosystem 🌱💡.
Reference(s):
Hainan to become the gateway of China's high-standard opening up
cgtn.com
