TASS news agency:
Everyone is very interested in the independent customs operations. How has the preparation of related projects progressed? Could you also outline the vision for the development of the Hainan FTP after the implementation of island-wide independent customs operations? Thank you.
Guan Jirong:
The independent customs operations is of milestone significance for the development of the Hainan FTP and for the island province's high-quality development. At present, Hainan regards it as a top priority and is redoubling its efforts to make breakthroughs by focusing on the following three lists. The first one is the task list, which includes more than 40 key tasks, such as port planning and construction, as well as policy and institutional framework design, all progressing in an orderly manner. The second one is the project list, where the main work of 31 projects involving the independent customs operations has been basically completed. The third one is the stress test list, with full coverage and large-scale testing currently in full swing.
With solid progress made in the independent customs operations, several key and core policies have been put in place, bringing tangible benefits to businesses. In the future, we will ensure our policies bring even more benefits to enterprises. Here, I would like to share with you the vision of the Hainan FTP after it launches independent customs operations. In terms of trade liberalization and facilitation, more and more imported goods will enjoy zero-tariff treatment in Hainan, and consumers will reap greater benefits. We will pursue opening-up against higher standards in the services trade, with fewer restrictions on overseas individuals participating in domestic vocational qualification examinations. Consequently, an increasing number of overseas talent and professionals will come to work in Hainan. Regarding investment liberalization and facilitation, market access for foreign investment in medical care, education, telecommunications, and other fields will be further relaxed. People can enjoy world-class education in Hainan and access international drugs and medical devices yet to be marketed in China, as well as high-level foreign medical technology services. In terms of cross-border capital flow, Hainan will promote the free and convenient flow of capital across borders in an orderly manner, and the ability of the financial sector to serve the real economy will continue to strengthen. In the future, it will be more convenient to carry out cross-border wealth management in Hainan, which is conducive to attracting high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) to settle in Hainan and realize the global allocation of their assets. Concerning the facilitation of the entry and exit of personnel, people from 59 countries can enjoy visa-free access to Hainan. The number of foreign-funded enterprises is increasing, and more foreigners will become employees of local companies in Hainan, who can act as legal persons in public institutions, state-owned enterprises, and statutory organizations in Hainan. In terms of transportation facilitation, Hainan ranks second among China's provincial-level regions for the registered tonnage of international sailing ships. In the future, more international flights will stop over in Hainan to load passengers and cargo. The number of routes from Hainan to overseas regions will continue to increase, making it more convenient to reach the world from Hainan.
The blueprint has been drawn, and now is the time to forge ahead. We have the confidence and determination to fully implement the decisions and requirements of the central authorities and launch the independent customs operations as scheduled with the support of relevant ministerial-level departments and the joint efforts of the entire province. Thank you.
