On December 18, 2025, China launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), marking a new era for global trade. At a ceremony in Haikou, Vice Premier He Lifeng announced that Hainan has met essential conditions for special customs operations, setting the stage for deeper reforms and high-quality growth. 🌟
Stretching over 30,000 sq km, Hainan FTP is now the world’s largest free trade port by area. With lower tariffs, simplified tax rules, and expanded zero-tariff coverage, goods, capital, personnel, and data can flow more freely. This is big news for young entrepreneurs and early professionals in South and Southeast Asia eyeing cross-border e-commerce, fintech, or creative industries. 🚀
Imagine shipping your fashion label from Jakarta to Haikou with fewer fees, or tapping into investors during a tech meetup in Sanya—just a 1.5-hour flight from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region! Hainan’s special customs supervision zone is designed to boost foreign and domestic collaboration, improve risk management systems, and attract talent from around the world. 💼🌏
This move comes amid rising global protectionism, but China’s push for a high-standard opening-up shows its commitment to free trade and innovation. As Hainan FTP ramps up operations, watch for more startup hubs, green energy projects, and digital trade platforms to spring up across the island. Stay tuned for the next wave of opportunities! 🔍✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
