2022 saw the intention to cooperate deepen between Hainan and RCEP member countries. Over the year, the Hainan Global Investment Service Hotline (4008-413-413) has received more than 300 investment inquiries from RCEP member countries.  RCEP member countries and their enterprises have also been invited to participate in the 2nd China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE, also known as the Hainan Expo) and expand their business in the Hainan FTP (Free Trade Port).

Gong Qijun, deputy director of the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development, said that on the basis of the first Expo’s success, the bureau has formulated a global exhibition plan, visited relevant institutions and enterprises of RCEP member countries, and invited them to participate in the second Expo. Among the RCEP member countries, the exhibition area of Japanese brands has increased from 2,000m² to more than 3,000m² since the 1^st Expo. Exhibition area designated to other RCEP member countries is as follows: South Korea(brands) - approximately 400m²; Singapore - 187m²; Thailand - 495m²; Indonesia- 315m²; Malaysia -  270m²; Vietnam- 174m²; and, Australia - 733m².

Hainan International Convention And Exhibition Center

WANG CHENGXIAN

RCEP member countries are also actively participating in the form of national pavilions. Japan and South Korea confirmed the establishment of their national pavilions with an area of 900m² and 360m² respectively. Vietnam Trade Promotion Office in China confirmed the establishment of the Vietnam Pavilion with 11 companies in the fields of dairy products, chocolate, coffee and others, covering an area of 102m². The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Guangzhou has an exhibition area of 54m² and has organized 25 companies and brands to participate in the Expo, including spa, hair care, and personal beauty brands.

Hainan has followed up with exhibitors and encouraged more brands and leading companies to set up in the FTP. Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro),  a Japanese government-related organization, hopes to bring more Japanese products to Hainan and the Chinese market in the future.  To further deepen cooperation, the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development and the Bank of China will also hold a special cloud-based event for Japan on July 15 between Chinese and Japanese companies.