(ECNS) -- Hainan Free Trade Port has taken a major step in China's opening-up as islandwide special customs operations come into effect, fully implementing a policy framework featuring zero tariffs, low tax rates, a simplified tax system, and freer trade and investment.
The launch date, Dec. 18, carries strong symbolic significance.
On Dec. 18, 1978, when the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee convened, a historic decision was made to shift the priority of the Party and China's work agenda to economic development and to launch reform and opening up. Using the same date to implement islandwide customs operations underscores China's resolve and confidence in advancing high-level opening-up to the world.
With the launch of the new system on Thursday, the scope of zero-tariff goods has expanded from about 1,900 tariff lines to roughly 6,600, covering around 74% of all tariff lines, which is an increase of nearly 53 percentage points.
On the day the new system took effect, 3,300 boxes of Hainan-produced chocolate were processed at Haikou Meilan International Airport and shipped to Beijing and Shaanxi after swiftly completing cargo collection, security checks, sorting and customs supervision. This marked the first batch of goods to benefit from the duty-free policy with a processing value-added rate of no more than 30%.
The entire process took less than 40 minutes, Meng Xinli, chairman of the chocolate company, told China News Service. Meng said the company has reduced operating costs and enhanced market competitiveness by making full use of policies such as tariff exemptions for domestic sales of goods.
A batch of jewelry made from seawater pearls was also shipped from Sanya Phoenix International Airport to Guangzhou City in Guangdong Province. Valued at about 131,500 yuan (about $18,675), the products achieved a processing value-added rate of over 73%, enabling the enterprise to enjoy policy benefits worth approximately 12,500 yuan.
Besides, citizens from 86 countries can now enter Hainan visa-free, further facilitating travel and exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals.
According to plan, the institutional system and operational mode of the Hainan FTP will be more mature by 2035. Hainan Island will develop into a globally influential and high-level FTP by the middle of the century.
The launch of island-wide special customs operations marks a new phase in Hainan FTP development. Hainan border inspection authorities said they will expand visa-free policies, streamline clearance procedures, and further facilitate cross-border flows to boost the port's global competitiveness.
(By Gong Weiwei)
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