SCIO press conference on development of Hainan Free Trade Port

Hainan Broadcasting Station (HMG):

The spokesperson just mentioned that the island-wide special customs operation will begin the new stage and long term construction of the Hainan FTP. What measures and actions will be taken after its launch to support the FTP in further expanding its opening-up? Thank you.

Wang Changlin:

Thank you for your question. As you said, the island-wide special customs operation will be a new starting point for the construction of the FTP. Next, we will follow the arrangements of the Master Plan for the Construction of Hainan Free Trade Port and, in collaboration with Hainan province and the relevant departments, continue to improve the policy and institutional system that is compatible with a high-standard FTP. We will adhere to goal-oriented and problem-oriented approaches, and continuously accelerate the pace of opening-up. These efforts can be summarized in the six following areas:

First, accelerating the construction of a trade management system that is safe and convenient and wonderfully facilitates the imports and exports of goods. On one hand, we will further expand the scope of zero-tariff goods to strengthen and expand the goods trade. On the other hand, in order to adapt to the development of service trade, we will accelerate the opening-up of service industries such as tourism, education and medical care, and promote the policy of "granting both market access and operational permits."

Second, focusing on creating an open, transparent and predictable investment environment. We will further relax market access for foreign investment by introducing a new round of special measures to expand market access, deeply implementing the reform to establish a commitment-based access system, and accelerate the establishment of an investment facilitation system with a focus on process supervision.

Third, gradually establishing a financial policy system that is compatible with open development. We will improve and perfect the multi-functional free trade account system, and further enrich account functions and application scenarios. We will orderly expand the opening-up of the financial sector to both domestic and foreign entities, and actively carry out pilot explorations such as cross-border asset management business.

Fourth, implementing more convenient entry and exit management policies. We will further ease restrictions on personnel entry and exit. We will implement more relaxed temporary entry and exit policies for business personnel and convenient work visa policies, and further improve the residence permit system.

Fifth, establishing a more free and open shipping system. We will accelerate the construction of China's Yangpu Port as a port of registry, continuously optimize ship survey and management policies, and enhance the capacity of shipping services. We will further relax airspace control and air rights restrictions, and actively advance the opening of the Seventh Freedom of the Air.

Sixth, building an efficient, convenient and secure cross-border data flow mechanism. This is the current demand of many business entities and is necessary for promoting the development of digital trade. We will promote the orderly expansion of the opening-up of communication resources and related businesses, adjust and improve the negative list for outbound data management, accelerate the construction of international communication service gateways and cross-border submarine optical cables, and actively cultivate and develop the digital economy. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Let's continue. There are two reporters raising their hands. We'll take the last two questions, please.