Hainan: Breaking New Waves

Oriental Outlook Issue 6, 2021

This year’s government work report explicitly stated that China will further promote the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), pursue reform, opening-up, and innovation in pilot free trade zones, fully leverage the role of various economic development zones as platforms for opening-up, and share China’s vast market and development opportunities.

Focusing on domestic and international situations, the CPC Central Committee made the strategic decision of building Hainan into an FTP in a bid to advance innovation-driven development of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It is also a priority in the course of reform and opening-up in the new era.

The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 was held in April in Hainan, with the theme of “A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation.” Twenty years ago when the forum for pooling wisdom on integrated development in Asia was initiated, Boao in Hainan was chosen the permanent place for hosting the annual conference thanks to the unique geographical location, important strategic position, and prominent ecological environment in the island province.