Hainan to set pace for an open and inclusive economy

President Xi Jinping's remarks at the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan province on Tuesday, that China will further broaden market entry, attract investment, strengthen intellectual property rights protection and increase imports, were a reassuring affirmation that China will continue to advance reform and opening-up. What he said three days later that China will turn Hainan Island into the world's largest free trade zone carries greater symbolic weight.

With Deng Xiaoping as the leading advocate, the decision was made 30 years ago to make Hainan province the largest special economic zone. It was eight years after the model had proved a success in Shenzhen, but reform and opening-up had met stiff resistance from some in the country.

However, it has proved to be a correct and timely decision, transforming the island from a rubber farm to a regional trade, logistics, economic and technology hub over the past three decades.