A Hainan Free Trade Port-Hong Kong media exchange and promotion conference was held in Hong Kong on Wednesday, showcasing the latest progress of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) and exploring new opportunities for collaboration between the two places.
Wang Bin, chief of Hainan provincial government’s publicity department, described Hong Kong as a natural partner for Hainan because of their geographical proximity and complementary advantages in resources and policies.
Emphasizing the timeliness of investing in Hainan, he urged Hong Kong and Hainan to leverage zero-tariff benefits to facilitate greater cooperation between enterprises and products.
Efforts should be made in transportation and logistics as well as financial services to establish a robust supply chain system oriented towards the Asia-Pacific region, he added.
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The event highlighted the development of the Hainan‑Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Demonstration Zone across five key areas: economic trade and investment, financial services, secure and orderly cross‑border data flow, cultural tourism and consumption, and talent and professional services.
A core objective, Wang said, is to expand unilateral recognition of Hong Kong professional qualifications in Hainan and to foster deeper integration of industrial, supply and value chains.
Man Cheuk‑fei, vice chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Journalists, suggested collaboration in tourism, elderly care and higher education.
Noting Hainan’s attractive environment and potential in medical and wellness care, he said it could offer an additional retirement option for Hong Kong’s elderly alongside Guangdong.
READ MORE: China launches island-wide special customs operations in Hainan FTP
Hainan FTP initiated the island-wide special customs operations on Dec 18, marking a historic milestone in the island province's pursuit of higher-level opening up to the world.
In the two months since, the number of new foreign-funded enterprises in Hainan rose by 45.6 percent. The policy shift expanded the proportion of imported goods eligible for zero tariffs to 74 percent, an increase from 21 percent. Data from this timeframe shows the value of imports and exports at local customs ports grew by more than 9 percent, according to authorities.
