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海南自贸港为何不会取代香港、上海、广深?
经济观察报·2025-07-29 11:12

Core Viewpoint - The construction of Hainan Free Trade Port will not weaken the development advantages of economic centers like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and the Greater Bay Area, but will instead create significant synergistic effects [2][13]. Development and Historical Context - Hainan Free Trade Port is set to officially start its full island closure operation on December 18, 2025, marking a critical phase in China's highest-level open free trade zone construction [2]. - Hainan's development history is relatively late, with its administrative structure changing in 1988 when it became a separate province from Guangdong [2]. - Despite being the largest economic zone in China, Hainan's per capita GDP has historically lagged behind the national average, recorded at 75.38% of the national average in 2019 and 79.31% in 2023 [2]. Strategic Advantages - Hainan's geographical advantages include proximity to economically developed Guangdong and Hong Kong, and its position facing ASEAN, covering a consumer base of 2.1 billion people [4]. - The island's unique geographical characteristics provide natural conditions for implementing bonded policies and customs supervision, making it an ideal choice for a free trade port [5]. - Hainan plays a crucial role as a strategic hub connecting China with the world, particularly in response to global de-globalization trends [6]. Economic Transformation - Hainan has successfully transitioned from a reliance on tourism and agriculture to a diversified economy, establishing four pillar industries: tourism, modern services, high-tech industries, and tropical agriculture [8]. - The contribution of these four industries to the province's GDP has increased by 13.7 percentage points over five years, accounting for 67% of the total GDP [8]. - The province has seen significant growth in specific sectors, such as marine industries growing at an annual rate of 13.9% and duty-free shopping capturing 8% of the global market share [8]. Educational and Ecological Advancements - Hainan has accelerated the internationalization of higher education, attracting 20 foreign cooperative educational institutions and establishing a research base for top domestic universities [9]. - The province leads in several ecological indicators, including the highest proportion of new energy vehicles and initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality [10]. Foreign Investment and Population Growth - Over the past decade, Hainan has transformed from an inward-looking economy to an "open new highland," with foreign investment reaching $9.78 billion and an annual growth rate of 97% [11]. - The province's resident population has increased by 530,000 over the past five years, supported by improved ecological conditions and high-value industry development [11]. Regional Cooperation - Hainan's development will not compete with major cities but will complement them, with a focus on regional cooperation, particularly with Guangdong and Guangxi [13][14]. - The "Golden Triangle" cooperation framework among Hainan, Guangdong, and Hong Kong emphasizes policy advantages, industrial strengths, and service capabilities [13]. Future Outlook - Hainan Free Trade Port is expected to become a leading example of high-level openness and reform, providing a platform for various market entities to thrive [14]. - The port is positioned as a testing ground for new reforms and a showcase for China's commitment to opening up, aiming for breakthroughs in institutional openness [14].