The island-wide special customs operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port is not only a crucial step in policy advancement but also a new voyage towards the world. As the tides of the times surge, the Hainan FTP is attracting young talents from across the globe. They dedicate themselves to various industries, weaving their personal dreams into the open blueprint of this vibrant land. The "Decoding the Hainan FTP: Chasing Dreams" series captures the stories of these dynamic individuals—their choices, struggles, and achievements all serving as a vivid testament to Hainan's vitality and opportunities.

Here, behind every step they take towards realizing their dreams lies a future that the world will embrace.

While many cross-border e-commerce professionals set their sights on China’s first-tier cities, Imani from Morocco and Gloria from the Republic of the Congo chose a different path by starting a new chapter in their livestreaming careers in Hainan.

What attracted them here was not just the island’s warm sunshine and ocean breeze, but also its openness and potential. As cross-border livestream hosts, they quickly saw Hainan’s unique policy environment and strategic location. “Things move quickly here, and it’s very welcoming to foreign nationals. More importantly, we believe we are on the verge of a historic opportunity,” they said.

That opportunity begins with the launch of island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) in 2025. To them, it’s more than just a policy buzzword; it’s a career catalyst. “It means freer trade flows and smoother cross-border logistics. For us, it opens a direct channel from Hainan to consumers around the world,” Imani explained during a break between livestream sessions. Gloria added, “We’re not just promoting products anymore, we’re part of the growth of a new trade hub.”

In their daily work, the two hostesses need to understand consumer preferences across different markets while staying up to date on the latest FTP policies. From product selection and planning to multilingual livestreams and cross-border logistics coordination, each step has helped them gain a clearer understanding of what the FTP truly entails. Hainan’s diverse and vibrant cultural scene also brings new energy and inspiration to their broadcasts.

More international brands and supply chain resources are now flocking to Hainan. “You can feel the change happening every day: better infrastructure, a richer business ecosystem. It moves at the same pace as our own growth,” Gloria said.

Today, they introduce Hainan’s specialty products to audiences worldwide while bringing quality goods from abroad straight to the phone screens of Chinese consumers. They see their work as a small but meaningful bridge linking Hainan with global markets, naturally supporting the province’s goal to develop as an international tourism and consumption hub.

Looking ahead, the two girls have clear plans. On the one hand, they will continue expanding their focus on cross-border livestreaming and take advantage of the specific benefits offered by special customs operations. On the other hand, they hope to use Hainan’s open platform to explore a wider range of digital trade models. “We’re feeling really optimistic about Hainan today, and we’re even more excited to witness what it will grow into over the next five or ten years,” Imani said.

From Africa to Hainan, their journey represents not just a geographical shift but also an expansion of their professional horizons. Amid the momentum of the FTP’s development, Imani and Gloria are offering their unique cross-border perspectives as they witness a new chapter of opening-up on this vibrant island.