CK ASSET(HK:01113) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-20 23:36Core Viewpoint - The opening of Hainan Free Trade Port marks a significant shift in China's approach to foreign trade, impacting various stakeholders, particularly the Ho family and Li Ka-shing [1][22]. Group 1: Impact on Li Ka-shing - Li Ka-shing has strategically divested from mainland China and Hong Kong assets, selling properties at significant discounts, including a HKD 5 billion sale of his long-held residence [5][7]. - Over the past decade, Li has liquidated over HKD 250 billion in assets, reducing his exposure in China from 75% to 15%, while investing approximately USD 30 billion in Southeast Asia [5][7]. - The retail sector in Hong Kong is projected to decline by 7.3% in 2024, while Hainan's duty-free sales have surpassed RMB 100 billion, indicating a shift in consumer spending [7][15]. Group 2: Challenges for the Ho Family - The Ho family, having invested heavily in Nansha since the 1980s, faces strategic challenges as the focus of national policy shifts away from trade towards digital technology and cultural tourism [3][11]. - The value of Ho family's land in Nansha, previously estimated at RMB 300 billion, is likely to decrease due to the diversion of trade functions to Hainan [13][20]. - Internal family disputes regarding the Nansha project have surfaced, complicating asset management and highlighting differing views on the project's future [13][20]. Group 3: Policy Changes and Economic Implications - The expansion of the "zero tariff" policy to approximately 6,600 product categories enhances Hainan's connectivity with international markets, posing challenges to Hong Kong's traditional advantages [3][15]. - The Hainan Free Trade Port is positioned as a key element in China's broader strategy for high-level openness, complementing the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [22]. - Collaborative efforts between Hainan and Hong Kong aim to leverage mutual strengths, with Hainan focusing on trade and Hong Kong enhancing its international financial services [16][18].