During a recent visit to Sanya, China, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of building the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) to high standards to establish it as China's key gateway for opening-up in the new era. This directive comes as the Hainan FTP prepares for island-wide independent customs operation on December 18, which will significantly expand its zero-tariff policy and duty-free offerings.

• The number of duty-free items in Hainan is set to increase from 1,900 to approximately 6,600 once independent customs operation begins.
• President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered these remarks on Thursday, November 7.
• Over the past five years, Hainan's foreign direct investment has seen an average annual growth rate of 14.6 percent.