Gambling in the cards for Hainan?

Opening-up idea sees island as global tourist destination and free-trade zone

China's plans to further open its economy, including the latest measure to build Hainan island into an international free-trade zone, reaffirmed the country's commitment to market liberalization and its role as a key driver of global growth, experts said.

The tropical island province of Hainan, known for its sandy beaches and resort-dotted coastline, gained prime attention from home and aboard over the weekend after President Xi Jinping announced a grand plan that helped define the island's future role.