Xi stresses key role of Hainan FTP

China unveiled a master plan for the construction of a free trade port in June 2020, aiming to build the island into a free trade port with global influence by the middle of the century.

The free trade port is set to introduce islandwide customs clearance operations by 2025.

Xi highlighted the need to uphold the Party's leadership, the correct political orientation and socialism with Chinese characteristics, saying that unwavering efforts must be made to safeguard national security and identify and prevent key risks.

He pinpointed the implementation of the new development philosophy and promoting high-quality development as the fundamental solution to spurring the growth of the province.

It is important to focus on the development of the tourism, modern services and high-tech sectors and high-efficiency tropical agriculture, and quicken steps to develop a modern industry system, he said.

The president called for stepping up reform of the system of science and technology and promoting the commercialization of innovation outcomes, saying that progress should be made in coordination between urban and rural areas.

Supply-side structural reform in the agricultural sector must be deepened, and whole-industry-chain development of the sector must be strengthened, he said, adding that authorities must adopt stringent measures in the protection of the environment and permanent farmland, and in controlling the boundaries of urban development.