“After the launch of special customs operations, Hainan will reach a critical turning point in areas such as international trade, two-way investment, and the creation of two ‘headquarters,” said Zhang Jianping, Deputy Director of the Academic Committee of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC) under the Ministry of Commerce. He noted that as institutional advantages, policy dividends, and geographic potential continue to reinforce one another, high–value-added industries in Hainan will develop significant clustering and scale effects.

Zhang went on to outline Hainan’s unique strengths in taxation and trade. “We currently have three ‘zero-tariff’ lists. After special customs operations begin, these three will be merged into one ‘zero-tariff’ list, covering as much as 74% of all imported goods,” he explained. “We very much hope to see Hainan leverage its policy and locational advantages to integrate the new ‘zero-tariff’ policy, the tariff-free processing value-added policy, and frameworks such as RCEP and the upgraded China–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement 3.0. I believe Hainan’s future path toward greater openness will reach a new point of acceleration, and high–value-added industries will develop even stronger concentration and scale effects.”

Zhang Jianping, Deputy Director of the Academic Committee of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce. ( Photo: Li Houqing)

Discussing Hainan’s strategic geographic value, Zhang said: “Hainan sits at the heart of the vast RCEP regional market, positioned between China and ASEAN， the world’s two largest and most dynamic emerging markets.” With 30,000 square kilometers of land and an exceptional location as a regional hub, Hainan’s development potential is drawing increasing attention.

Against this backdrop of strong policy support and strategic geography, Hainan’s appeal to foreign investment is rapidly strengthening. Zhang highlighted several concrete advantages: “Market access conditions in the Hainan Free Trade Port are highly favorable. Eligible foreign & domestic enterprises and high-level talent enjoy a "dual 15% cap" on corporate and individual income tax, and there are ‘zero-tariff’ import list and processing value-added exemptions.” He added: “The policy incentives and legal guarantees available to foreign investors doing business in Hainan represent a clear comparative advantage within China’s vast market.” This advantage is already evident in real-world outcomes. “Hainan has attracted investment from over 150 countries, and its annual inflow of foreign capital now ranks among the top ten provinces nationwide.”

Regarding the implementation path of special customs operations, Zhang emphasized: “This is a massive project. All relevant administrative departments must take active measures, build policy synergy, and coordinate effectively. The goal is to provide enterprises and residents with maximum convenience and highly efficient services, ensuring the smooth execution of special customs operations.”