Hong Kong Explores Collaboration Opportunities with Hainan Free Trade Port

Hong Kong is examining opportunities from the Hainan Free Trade Port's island-wide special customs operations, which started on December 18, 2025. These operations feature liberalization at the first line, effective control at the second line, and freedom within the island, with expanded zero-tariff scopes for imported goods.

This development represents a new phase in China's high-level opening-up. The government plans to work with think tanks, industry associations, various sectors, and academic institutions to evaluate these opportunities. Focus areas include Hong Kong's role as a connector and value-adder for alignment with the Hainan Free Trade Port.

Efforts will use Hong Kong's advantages to introduce international-standard professional services to Hainan and help Hainan enterprises expand globally through Hong Kong.

In maritime and logistics, Hong Kong, as an international maritime center, seeks to explore complementary opportunities with the Hainan Free Trade Port. Officials will monitor developments and study ways to advance collaboration between the two ports.

This aims to foster mutually beneficial ties. Hong Kong has long been a major source of external investment in Hainan and a key trading partner. The initiatives are designed to contribute to China's high-quality development and opening-up. The government emphasizes the importance of the Hainan Free Trade Port's progress and expects further cooperation.

Kong positions itself as a leading center for green and sustainable finance, with green and sustainable bonds arranged there reaching about US$38 billion in 2025, representing 40 percent of the regional total. The Hainan Provincial People's Government has issued offshore RMB local government bonds in Hong Kong since 2022, including green, blue, and sustainability bonds, totaling RMB 18 billion as of March 2026.

A profits tax exemption for debt instruments issued by mainland local governments in Hong Kong has been effective since March 31, 2023. The Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme, launched in 2021 and extended to 2027, provides subsidies to eligible bond issuers and loan borrowers.

As of April 2026, it has covered over 680 instruments totaling more than US$190 billion.

“Hong Kong will continue to actively serve as a bridge connecting international capital with the green finance needs in the Mainland.”

The revised Arbitration Law of the People's Republic of China permits overseas arbitration bodies to establish organizations in the Hainan Free Trade Port. The government supports Hong Kong's arbitration bodies in expanding there and using the International Organization for Mediation for cross-boundary disputes.

Assistance is provided for Hong Kong professionals and enterprises to develop business in the Hainan Free Trade Port. This includes promoting academic and youth exchange activities between the two regions. Such efforts aim to strengthen ties and facilitate dispute resolution.

Hong Kong's broader economic connections with Hainan underscore the potential for expanded collaboration. The focus on professional services and exchanges is intended to benefit both sides. Ongoing monitoring will guide future developments in these areas.