HAIKOU, China, Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One month into the island-wide special customs operations, the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) in south China has maintained smooth and orderly functioning, with initial achievements in economic aggregation. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Hainan Heren Pearl Co., Ltd., which mainly imports pearls from overseas, has emerged as a direct beneficiary of Hainan FTP policies. Under the value-added processing polic ...

Core Insights - The launch of island-wide special customs operations at Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) aims to enhance business investment and facilitate cross-border flows of goods and production factors, positioning Hainan as a key hub for domestic and international markets [1][2][3] Business Environment - Hainan FTP is now the world's largest FTP by area, allowing freer entry of overseas goods and expanding zero-tariff coverage [2] - The share of zero-tariff products in Hainan FTP will increase from 21% to 74%, with tariff-free items expanding from approximately 1,900 to 6,637, covering nearly all production equipment and raw materials [4] Company Perspectives - L'Oréal expresses optimism about growth opportunities in Hainan, highlighting the region's status as a major global shopping destination [5] - Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group anticipates benefits from the zero-tariff policy on raw materials, which will reduce import costs by 8% in tariffs and 13% in value-added tax on green coffee beans [6] Investment Trends - Hainan Weili Medical Technology has saved over 4 million yuan (approximately $567,920) in tariffs since early 2023, allowing for increased investment in R&D and market expansion [9] - Foreign direct investment in Hainan reached $9.78 billion over the past five years, growing at an annual rate of 97%, with investments from 176 countries and regions [10] Strategic Positioning - Hainan's unique position links the domestic market of 1.4 billion people with the Southeast Asian market of nearly 700 million people, creating a trade route for raw materials processed in Hainan to be distributed to the mainland [11][12] - The special customs operations reflect China's commitment to high-standard opening up, which is expected to boost both the domestic economy and global growth [13]

Chief Producer: Zhao Haijian Supervising Producer: Shi Shi Editor: Shi Shi Reporter: Gao Jianghong, Li Yinong （原标题：Hainan FTP in Action: China Opens Its Door Wider | SFC Markets and Finance） By Gao Jianghong, Yinong Li, SFC, 21st Century Business Herald On December 18, China's Hainan Free Trade Port officially launched island?wide special customs operations, creating a special customs supervision zone that links overseas markets with the Chinese mainland more smoothly under a "free first line, regulated sec ...

Core Viewpoint - The official launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port's full island closure operation on December 18 marks a significant development in the region's economic strategy, aiming to enhance international tourism and trade [1] Group 1: International Flight Data - During the 2026 Spring Festival, international flight ticket sales to Haikou are expected to increase by over 100% year-on-year, with major source countries including Russia, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand [1] - For the New Year period (January 1-3, 2026), flight bookings to Haikou and Sanya have shown year-on-year growth of 19% and 51% respectively [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the vibrant development of the Yangpu Economic Development Zone in Hainan, showcasing its role as a key hub in the Hainan Free Trade Port, connecting global markets through enhanced logistics and shipping capabilities [2][4]. Group 1: Development and Infrastructure - Yangpu is positioned as a "showcase" for the Hainan Free Trade Port, leveraging its geographical advantages and implementing significant projects and innovative policies to build a competitive port and logistics system [2]. - The Yangpu International Container Terminal has opened 64 domestic and international trade routes, covering major global markets such as North America and Southeast Asia, thus establishing a dual circulation shipping network [2]. Group 2: International Cooperation and Trade - Yangpu has attracted numerous domestic and international shipping and logistics companies, optimizing supply chain processes and enhancing regional logistics efficiency through partnerships, such as the sister port agreement with Abu Dhabi and a memorandum with Singapore Port Group [3]. - The open model of Yangpu serves as a reference for African countries, facilitating easier access for Nigerian agricultural and resource products to the Asian market, promoting bilateral trade [3]. Group 3: Global Perspective - Journalists from various countries view the Yangpu International Container Terminal as a window to the world for Hainan, embodying the collaborative development aspirations of "Global South" nations [4]. - The construction of the Free Trade Port in China is seen as a means to create more efficient trade channels and cooperation platforms for emerging economies [4].

Policy & Regulation - Hainan Free Trade Port encourages the development of the night economy [1] - The region aims to create night-time cultural and tourism consumption clusters [1] - The region will cultivate and introduce various night-time consumption formats [1] - The region will enrich the supply of night-time tourism, cultural, and sports products [1] - Key tourist areas will be allowed to set up all-night bars and entertainment venues [1] Business Operations - Businesses such as shopping malls, restaurants, and cultural venues are encouraged to extend their operating hours [1]

Core Viewpoint - The official confirmation of Hainan Free Trade Port's "closure operation" starting December 18, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Hainan's development and signifies the beginning of a new phase of high-level openness in China [1] Group 1: Hainan as a Global Hub - Hainan's "closure" policy features a management model of "one line open, two lines controlled, and free within the island," transforming it into a global "offshore transit station" for brands, significantly reducing tax costs and logistics complexity for high-end cosmetics and luxury goods [2][4] - The model has successful precedents in global free trade ports, such as Singapore and Dubai, which have established themselves as luxury goods distribution centers [3] Group 2: Brand Strategies in Hainan - Brands must adopt multi-dimensional strategies beyond just price advantages to build customer loyalty and ensure repeat purchases in Hainan's new environment [6][31] - The personal duty-free shopping limit for Hainan will increase from 50,000 yuan to 100,000 yuan, with a significant rise in duty-free sales, indicating strong consumer potential [7][8] Group 3: Supply Chain and Consumer Engagement - Hainan is enhancing its warehousing and logistics capabilities to improve supply chain efficiency and flexibility, while brands are encouraged to strengthen their membership systems and private traffic operations to convert tourists into long-term customers [9][30] - The structural transformation of consumer behavior in the post-pandemic era positions Hainan as a critical node for brand positioning in the high-end market [33][32]

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) promotion event in Dubai aims to enhance trade and investment liberalization, fostering high-level dialogue and practical cooperation between Hainan and the UAE [1][2]. Group 1: Event Overview - The event was jointly organized by the Hainan Provincial People's Government and the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, with support from CCPIT Hainan and CCOIC Hainan [2]. - The conference featured discussions on aligning UAE's financial liberalization and cross-border trade policies with the FTP, focusing on innovative cooperation in emerging fields like AI and blockchain [3]. Group 2: Agreements and Collaborations - Hainan signed four batches of agreements with institutions from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, covering sectors such as new energy, free trade zone development, logistics parks, automotive trade, and headquarters base development [4]. - Hainan's leadership emphasized the FTP's framework of "zero tariffs, low tax rates, and a simplified tax system" to create a market-oriented and internationalized business environment [5]. Group 3: Strategic Goals - The Chinese Ambassador to the UAE highlighted that the FTP's open policies align with the UAE's 50-Year Development Plan, aiming to set a new benchmark for China-Middle East economic and trade cooperation [6]. - Hainan is intensifying efforts to establish independent customs operations by the end of 2025 as part of its FTP development strategy [6].

Group 1: Event Overview - The 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) is taking place in Haikou, showcasing an increase in domestic and international exhibitors, with the introduction of a new consumer technology exhibition area [5][6] - The event features a variety of food experiences, with 24 domestic and international dining brands and a 40% increase in daily dining capacity [6][9] - The expo includes cultural activities such as the "Taste Buds Without Borders" banquet and a showcase of traditional Chinese snacks, highlighting local culinary offerings [8][12] Group 2: Transportation and Accommodation - Haikou has implemented various transportation measures, including designated routes and over 10,000 parking spaces to facilitate access to the expo [13] - A total of 84 hotels have been selected as key reception hotels, with staff trained to meet international service standards [9] Group 3: Shopping and Promotions - During the expo, Haikou will distribute 16 million yuan in consumer vouchers and host over 100 promotional activities to stimulate consumption [14] - The CDF Haikou International Duty-Free City is offering discounts and special promotions for attendees, including a 15% discount on regular-priced items [15][16]