PR85578

HAIKOU, China, Sept. 14, 2020 /Xinhua=KYODO JBN/ --

The construction of the Hainan free trade port has picked up steam since

Chinese authorities drew up a plan for it three months ago, demonstrating

China's commitment to opening up amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

With supporting policy packages, Hainan is becoming a popular destination for

foreign investment and enterprises.

So far, the free trade port has landed a total of 94 major projects including

20 foreign-funded ones, covering sectors such as tourism, modern service and

high-tech industries.

"The launch of these projects will bring new growth not only to the free trade

port but also to global investors," said Han Shengjian, director of the Hainan

International Economic Development Bureau.

On Sept. 3, the last day of a three-day promotional event in a duty-free shop

in Hainan's resort city of Sanya, Chu Yadong scurried back and forth in the

shop, picking out skincare products and makeup for his relatives.

From July 1, Hainan has increased its annual tax-free shopping quota from

30,000 yuan (about 4,389 U.S. dollars) to 100,000 yuan per person.

According to official data, sales from four offshore duty-free shops in Hainan

topped 5 billion yuan from July 1 to Aug. 18, an increase of 250 percent year

on year, with an average daily turnover of over 100 million yuan.

The Boao Lecheng pilot zone of international medical tourism, a platform to

explore the country's development of international medical tourism-related

businesses and services, launched a special type of drug insurance on Aug. 2.

It covers 70 anti-cancer drugs from around the globe for 35 common cancers,

including 49 that have yet to be approved for sale in the Chinese mainland

market. The annual premium for Hainan residents is only 29 yuan per person,

while the insurance covers up to 1 million yuan in drug costs.

Yan Lukai, an official with the pilot zone administration, said as an

innovation of the free trade port construction, the insurance enables Hainan

residents to share the policy dividends.

"Hainan is building a people-centered free trade port, which will not only make

Hainan people gain a strong sense of happiness, but also share the development

opportunities with people across the country as well as enterprises and skilled

workers from all over the world," said Liu Cigui, Party secretary of Hainan.

Source: Hainan International Economic Development Bureau

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=371454 

   Caption: Aerial photo taken on April 3, 2020 shows a view of Hainan's Boao Lecheng pilot

zone of international medical tourism in south China's Hainan Province.