HAIKOU, China, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from Hainan International Media Center (HIMC):
On May 19, the 2025 China Hainan Free Trade Port-UAE Promotion Conference successfully took place in Dubai. The event attracted over 250 attendees, including participants from government and free trade zones from both the UAE and Hainan, alongside business leaders and media personnel. The discussions centered around the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, highlighting collaborations in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, finance, biopharmaceuticals, healthcare, and agarwood, which are vital for establishing Hainan as an innovative hub for China-UAE economic relations.
In his opening speech, Feng Fei, Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, reaffirmed the province’s dedication to building a free trade port characterized by a market-oriented, legally structured, and international business environment, emphasizing “zero tariffs, low tax levels, and a streamlined tax system.” He pointed out that Hainan plans to enhance cooperation with the UAE in the fields of digital economy and green energy. Zhang Yiming, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, remarked that the open policies of the Hainan FTP are notably aligned with the UAE’s “50-Year Development Plan,” and their partnership is poised to set a new standard for China-Middle East trade collaboration.
Abdulla Al Saleh, Under-Secretary for Foreign Trade and Industry in the UAE Ministry of Economy, stated that the UAE intends to integrate with the Hainan FTP’s financial liberalization and cross-border trade policies, aiming to explore innovative cooperation frameworks in high-tech areas like AI and blockchain. Dr. Ali M. Al-Khouri, the Secretary-General of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE, along with Marwan Al Marri, Regional Director of Dubai Chambers, and Omar Al Muhairi, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at DP World Group, expressed optimism regarding potential collaborations between the UAE and Hainan FTP.
During the conference, the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development showcased detailed information regarding the advantageous policies and opportunities within the Hainan FTP. In addition, the Hainan Provincial Financial Supervision and Administration Bureau, along with the Danzhou Municipal Government, provided targeted presentations on financial pilot initiatives, cross-border capital flows, and investment prospects in the Danzhou-Yangpu Economic Circle. Representatives from Mingyang Group, Qilu Pharmaceutical, Mellser International Medical Center, and the Hainan Agarwood Industry Association also contributed insights into Hainan’s unique industries, specialty products, and their strategies for entering the Middle Eastern market.
At the conclusion of the event, Hainan signed four strategic cooperation agreements with companies from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, covering sectors including renewable energy, logistics, automotive trade, and the construction of headquarters bases. A business negotiation session was held afterward, allowing over 100 Chinese and Arab business representatives to connect and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.