SCIO press conference on development of Hainan Free Trade Port

China Arab TV:

What specific initiatives has Hainan FTP taken to promote economic and trade cooperation with Arab countries? In the future, will there be a push for more China-Arab cultural and tourism cooperation projects, such as opening direct flight routes or hosting special economic and trade cultural activities? Thank you.

Feng Fei:

Thank you for your questions. Hainan province attaches great importance to economic, trade, cultural and tourism cooperation with Arab countries. Both Mr. Liu and I have previously visited Gulf and Arab states. In recent years, economic and trade cooperation between Hainan and Arab countries has been steadily growing. Hainan Yangpu Port has established a sister port relationship with Abu Dhabi Port. Additionally, both the maritime route connecting Yangpu Port and Abu Dhabi Port and the air route linking Haikou and Dubai are currently operational. As you just mentioned, we have established direct links by both sea and air, and we plan to further increase the frequency and capacity of these routes. These efforts have further strengthened the Maritime Silk Road and Air Silk Road between China and Arab nations. Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Free Zone and Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone are all global free trade zone partners of Hainan FTP. We now have 40 such partners, many of which are with Arab countries that operate some of the world's most influential free trade zones. Over the past three years, the total value of goods traded between Hainan and League of Arab States has grown by more than 30% annually, exceeding 24 billion yuan in 2024.

With the implementation of island-wide special customs operations, Hainan FTP will fully leverage its advantages as a convergence point of both domestic and international dual circulation. We will significantly expand our open cooperation with Arab countries across economics, trade, tourism, culture, education, clean energy and other sectors. Specific initiatives include hosting the World Free Zone Organization Annual Meeting and conducting tourism promotion activities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As our cooperation deepens, more direct flights will be opened and more special economic, trade and cultural activities will be held. This will enable both sides to create more opportunities and share prosperity based on cultural exchanges and mutual understanding. Please convey our warm welcome to enterprises from Arab countries to invest and establish businesses in Hainan FTP. Thank you.