The press conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress was held at the People's Great Hall in Beijing on March 4. (Source: Xinhua News Agency)

In the past two days, China's 2026 Two Sessions (the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress and the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) kicked off in Beijing. From the outset of the meetings, the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) became a focal point for Chinese and foreign media.

During the press conferences of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (NCCPPCC) held on March 4 and March 3, their respective spokespersons highlighted the latest developments and opportunities brought by Hainan FTP.

The press conference for the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conferencet was held at the People's Great Hall in Beijing on March 4. (Source: Xinhua News Agency)

At the March 3 press conference, a foreign journalist specifically inquired about Hainan: The island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port have drawn global attention—what new opportunities will they create for global trade, and how will they contribute to the liberalization and facilitation of investment?

In response, NCCPPCC spokesperson Liu Jieyi explained the landmark significance of Hainan's special customs operations and briefed reporters on the latest developments. He pointed out that their launch has led to significant improvements in trade liberalization and facilitation, as well as more convenient international connections for the FTP. He also shared the latest figures: during the Chinese New Year holiday, island-departure duty-free sales in Hainan increased by 30.8% compared to the same period last year, while visa-free entries grew by 75.6%. The data are seen as a reflection of the gradual impact of the FTP's opening-up policies.

At the NPC press conference on March 4, spokesperson Lou Qinjian, when answering questions about consumption, once again mentioned Hainan, noting that "a new wave of tourism consumption has emerged, particularly following the launch of special customs operations." Lou cited phenomena such as the popularity of the Jiangsu Football City League and the box-office success of Nezha 2, while highlighting Hainan as a prime example of inbound consumption.

In recent years, inbound tourism and consumption have gradually recovered, with "China Travel" and "China Shopping" maintaining strong momentum. Since the launch of special customs operations, the Hainan FTP has played a key role in sustaining and growing these trends.

Officially implemented on December 18, 2025, the island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan FTP have unleashed dividends and opportunities that have garnered domestic and international attention.

Chinese and international tourists visit the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone in Sanya as Hainan's tourism remains strong after the Chinese New Year holiday. (Source: Hainan Daily)

In terms of expanding domestic demand, Hainan serves as a vital engine for boosting consumption. From island-departure duty-free shopping sales to visa-free entries and inbound tourism spending, the two press conferences' mentions of Hainan centered squarely on consumption. Moreover, the strong international flavor of Hainan's consumer market has fostered synergy between domestic and international markets and resources.

In terms of expanding openness, Hainan serves as a testing ground for China's high-level opening up. Within this paradigm, the FTP is regarded as an important pilot zone for the country's advancement of institutional opening up. Special customs operations represent a new exploration by the nation in steadily expanding institutional opening-up in rules, regulations, management, and standards, demonstrating the country's firm resolve to follow through with reform and opening-up.