Island sets its sights on free trade future

Known as a test bed for many of the country's innovations, the province has been given the green light to further open up

Editor's note: As the People's Republic of China prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary on Oct 1, China Daily is featuring a series of stories on the role regions have played in the country's development and where they are today.

Since the central government declared Hainan Island a pilot free trade zone in April last year, provincial authorities have taken great strides to try to ensure its success.