SCIO press conference on development of Hainan Free Trade Port

Feng Fei:

Friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. General Secretary Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the reform, opening up, and development of Hainan, instructing us to accelerate the construction of a free trade port with Chinese characteristics and global influence, and to build a leading gateway for China's opening up in the new era. At present, the construction of the Hainan FTP has entered a new stage of taking shape and gaining momentum and is about to launch island-wide special customs operation. "Taking shape" refers to the initial establishment of the system of policies and institutions of Hainan FTP, as introduced by Mr. Wang Changlin. "Momentum" mainly lies in the achievements and development momentum over the past five years of preparation.

First, we have expanded opening up. The actual use of foreign capital reached 102.5 billion yuan, with an average annual growth of 14.6%. Outward direct investment reached 9.78 billion U.S. dollars, with an average annual growth of 97%. 8,098 new foreign-funded enterprises were established, with an average annual growth of 43.7%. The average annual growth of goods trade and service trade was 31.3% and 32.3%, respectively. 176 countries and regions invested in Hainan, and the economic outward orientation increased to 35%. The visa-free policy in Hainan is the best in the country, with 85 countries eligible for visa-free entry to Hainan.

Second, the industrial system is becoming increasingly optimized. The four leading industries of tourism, modern service industry, high-tech industry, and tropical high-efficiency agriculture increased their combined share by 13.7 percentage points in five years, accounting for 67% of the province's GDP. New quality productive forces have been flourishing, with the output value of Nanfan seed breeding exceeding 18 billion yuan. The gross ocean product (GOP) grew at an average annual rate of 13.9%. China's first commercial space launch site was successfully built and has the capability for high-density, multi-model launches. Offshore duty-free sales accounted for more than 8% of the global duty-free market. Boao Lecheng basically achieved synchronization of medical technology, equipment, and drugs with international advanced standards. Hainan has gained approval for 18 Chinese-foreign cooperative education projects above the undergraduate level and two independent education projects from high-level overseas universities.

Third, the development environment continues to improve. The ecological environment of air, rivers, lakes, and nearshore sea areas remains among the best in the country, with PM2.5 concentration at 12 micrograms per cubic meter. The proportion of clean energy power generation and installed capacity exceeded 70% and 80%, respectively. The penetration rate of new energy vehicles is 59.6%, ranking first in the country. The Boao zero-carbon demonstration zone achieved a 99% carbon reduction, certified by authoritative institutions at home and abroad. The country specifically introduced the Hainan Free Trade Port Law, providing stable expectations at home and abroad. A one-stop international commercial dispute resolution mechanism that integrates mediation, arbitration, and litigation guarantees promising prospects, fairness, and transparency for all enterprises investing in Hainan.

Fourth, the sense of fulfillment among the people continues to grow. "Good education near home" and "minor illnesses can be treated locally, and major illnesses do not require leaving the island" are becoming realities. The average life expectancy in Hainan has reached 80.5 years, and the permanent population has increased by 530,000 in five years, making it one of the eight provinces in China with a net inflow of permanent residents. Hainan is becoming a new frontier for China's opening up, a new hot spot for regional mutually beneficial cooperation, and a new engine for promoting economic globalization, laying a solid foundation for achieving the special customs operation and expanding openness.

Regarding the expansion of openness through the special customs operation, we are making careful preparations in accordance with the deployments of the central government. In terms of the special customs operation policies, preparations have been completed. Policies and supporting documents such as the import taxable goods catalog, the list of prohibited and restricted import and export goods and items, and duty exemption for domestic sales of processed value-added products have been formulated. The software and hardware conditions have been fully completed. The hardware facilities for special customs operation have passed national acceptance, and information systems such as the international trade "single window" and the smart customs supervision system have also been built. In terms of stress test drills, we are advancing step by step, accelerating full-process, full-element, full-coverage, large-sample, and practical stress tests to ensure both "opening up" and "managing well." After five years of hard work, we feel more confident. Next, we will make every effort to ensure the smooth and timely launch of the special customs operation in strict accordance with the central government's deployments. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Feng, for your introduction. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking your question. You may now raise your hand.