Special customs operations to help propel free trade

The Hainan Free Trade Port begins its much-anticipated island-wide special customs operations on Thursday, marking a landmark move by China in expanding high-standard opening-up and promoting the development of a more open global economy.

The special customs operations, marked by significant tariff incentives and measures promoting free trade, will play a vital role in reinforcing economic globalization and strengthening China's ties with the major markets of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, international organizations, company executives and experts said.

Feng Fei, Party secretary of Hainan, said the province is working to build the Hainan FTP into a key gateway driving China's opening-up in the new era.

"Choosing Hainan means choosing opportunities. Investing in Hainan means investing in the future," Feng said.

Mohammed Al Zarooni, chairman of the World Free Zones Organization, said, "Hainan province's remarkable journey as China's flagship free trade port offers a real-time case study in innovation, institutional reform and global connectivity."

Hainan's pioneering role as a high-level free trade port and a dynamic hub for trade, sustainability and innovation, highlights China's growing leadership in global trade reform, sustainability and digital transformation, Zarooni added.

Starting from Thursday, all of Hainan Island operates as a special customs supervision zone.