Following the December 2025 launch of island-wide special customs operations, Hainan Free Trade Port reported strong growth in foreign investment and tourism in 2025, as highlighted in the 2026 Government Work Report. Officials emphasized continued reforms to position Hainan as a key hub for China's opening-up.
The 2026 Government Work Report marked the eighth consecutive year highlighting the Hainan Free Trade Port's development, underscoring plans to deepen reform and high-standard opening-up.
"Choosing Hainan means choosing opportunities. Investing in Hainan means investing in the future," said Feng Fei, Party secretary of Hainan, at a news conference during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing. He promoted Hainan as developing 'two bases' — for Chinese firms going global and foreign companies entering China — noting its shortest national negative list for foreign investment.
In 2025, Hainan's actual foreign capital use grew 19.9 percent, surpassing GDP growth. Post-launch, newly established foreign-funded enterprises rose 13 percent in the first month, service trade surged 22.1 percent, and over 10,000 businesses benefited from zero-tariff policies.
Feng outlined strategies to enhance industrial chains, integrate with the national market, deepen Greater Bay Area ties, and boost Belt and Road cooperation in tropical agriculture and digital trade.
Tourism boomed during the first Spring Festival after launch, with a 28.9 percent visitor increase and 30.7 percent spending rise, per NPC deputy Lyu Yan. She noted policy dividends fueling an international tourism hub, with 'hassle-free consumption' as a core commitment.
NPC deputy Chen Fan of Yazhouwan National Laboratory highlighted advances toward 'Nanfan Silicon Valley,' China's premier biological breeding platform, supporting the port's agricultural goals.
