HAIKOU, China — Haikou Customs has recently unveiled a comprehensive package of 21 specific measures designed to stabilize and promote foreign trade growth in Hainan Province. These initiatives come at a critical juncture as the island province faces multiple challenges in its foreign trade development.
The newly released "Haikou Customs 21 Measures for Deepening Support for Hainan's Foreign Trade Stability and Growth" emphasize creating more efficient customs clearance procedures, fully utilizing preferential policies, and exploring innovative business models to ensure sustainable trade expansion.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF HAINAN
Located at China's southernmost point, Hainan's unique geographical position gives it significant strategic importance in foreign trade. Since China launched its Belt and Road Initiative, the tropical island has emerged as a crucial international trade hub, attracting global attention with its abundant natural resources, favorable investment climate, and policy advantages.
However, Hainan's foreign trade sector currently faces headwinds from sluggish global economic recovery and fluctuating international market demand, prompting the need for these new support measures.
KEY MEASURES ACROSS SIX DIMENSIONS
The customs authority's comprehensive approach addresses six major areas to optimize Hainan's foreign trade environment:
1. Streamlined Customs Clearance: Haikou Customs has implemented simplified declaration and inspection procedures to reduce processing times and lower costs for businesses. The expansion of paperless clearance systems allows companies to complete procedures online, aligning with modern digital trends while supporting environmental sustainability. The customs office also plans to enhance collaboration within the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone for cross-regional resource sharing.
2. Duty-Free Policy Enhancements: The measures include optimizing Hainan's popular offshore duty-free policy, which has become a major draw for tourists and shoppers. Customs will develop more convenient e-commerce platforms and expand delivery services to make duty-free shopping accessible to more consumers, boosting Hainan's competitiveness in tourism retail.
3. Infrastructure Development: The customs authority is accelerating the opening of Haikou Port for complete vehicle imports and promoting the development of Boao Airport. These projects will significantly enhance Hainan's logistics capabilities while creating new investment opportunities for international businesses.
4. Digital Business Models: Haikou Customs will actively support "Internet+" business innovations, helping traditional enterprises transition to digital operations. The authority is also exploring new sectors like aircraft financing leases to support Hainan's aviation industry development.
5. Business Environment Optimization: Multiple service fees will be eliminated to reduce operational costs for enterprises. A "single window" system will simplify administrative procedures, improving local companies' competitiveness in international markets.
LONG-TERM ECONOMIC VISION
These targeted measures inject new vitality into Hainan's foreign trade while laying groundwork for high-quality development of an open economy. The detailed policy package demonstrates the government's proactive approach to addressing trade challenges and fostering economic growth.
The 21 measures reflect deep consideration of Hainan's economic transformation as a pilot free trade zone playing an increasingly important role in China's foreign trade landscape. Through continuous policy innovation and service improvements, the government aims to enhance local enterprises' global competitiveness.
As these policies take effect, Hainan is poised to better integrate into the global economic system, leveraging its unique geographical and policy advantages to drive stable growth in its export-oriented economy and contribute to building a new pattern of open economic development.
