Hainan Free Trade Port-UAE Promotion Conference: An International Economic Catalyst

On May 19, 2025, the bustling city of Dubai was the backdrop for a pivotal event: the 2025 China Hainan Free Trade Port-UAE Promotion Conference. Organized by the Hainan International Media Center, the conference saw over 250 attendees, including government officials, businessmen, and media representatives from both the UAE and Hainan Province in China. This gathering centered on enhancing trade and investment opportunities, with a strong emphasis on sectors like new energy, finance, biopharmaceuticals, healthcare, and agarwood.

Goals of the Conference

The primary objective of the conference was to facilitate trade and investment liberalization. Participants engaged in discussions about cooperation strategies that would bolster the establishment of Hainan as an innovative economic hub within the umbrella of China-UAE relations. The stakes were set high, with both parties eager to tap into their unique strengths to foster bilateral growth.

Keynote Addresses

The event kicked off with Feng Fei, Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, delivering an inspiring opening address that underscored Hainan’s commitment to establishing a free trade port characterized by a market-oriented and internationalized business environment. Feng articulated the province’s vision for a "zero tariffs, low tax rates, and simplified tax system," laying down a tantalizing framework for prospective investors.

In further remarks, Zhang Yiming, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, aligned the open policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) with the UAE’s ambitious 50-Year Development Plan. He stressed that this collaboration could set a new benchmark for economic and trade cooperation between China and the Middle East, showcasing the mutual benefits envisioned by both parties.

Highlighting UAE’s Perspective

The significance of this partnership was echoed by Abdulla Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of Foreign Trade and Industry at the UAE Ministry of Economy. He articulated that the UAE would visibly align itself with the financial liberalization policies being adopted by the Hainan FTP. Calling for innovative collaboration, he pointed to emergent fields like artificial intelligence and blockchain as promising areas for future cooperation.

Experts like Dr. Ali M. Al-Khouri, Chairman of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, and Marwan Al Marri, Regional Director of Asia from Dubai Chambers, expressed strong optimism about the expansive growth that cooperation would bring. Further backing their confidence was Omar Al Muhairi, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at DP World Group, who highlighted the incredible potential of Hainan as a hub for trade and investment.

Insights into Hainan’s Economic Landscape

The conference also involved detailed presentations by the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development, which outlined the FTP’s advantageous policies and emerging opportunities. The Hainan Provincial Financial Supervision and Administration Bureau showcased progressive financial pilot initiatives, while the Danzhou Municipal Government highlighted new investment opportunities in the Danzhou-Yangpu Economic Circle.

Business representatives from notable organizations, like Mingyang Group and Qilu Pharmaceutical, shared insights on Hainan’s unique industries and plans to penetrate the Middle Eastern market. Their presentations not only emphasized Hainan’s economic capabilities but also its readiness to embrace global collaboration.

Strategic Partnerships and Agreements

One of the most tangible outcomes of the conference was the signing of four strategic cooperation agreements between Hainan and various enterprises from the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These agreements cover sectors such as new energy, logistics, automobile trade, and headquarters base construction, marking a significant step toward solidifying economic ties.

The event culminated in a business negotiation session, where representatives from over 100 Chinese and Arab companies engaged in discussions aimed at fostering future collaborations. This dialogue underscored the proactive efforts both regions are willing to invest in creating a robust framework for ongoing partnership.

The conference stood as a seminal event, illustrating a shared vision for economic growth and partnership while reinforcing Hainan’s strategic role as a free trade port within the global marketplace. With ongoing discussions and agreements, the potential for future collaboration between the UAE and Hainan seems boundless, suggesting an exciting chapter ahead for both economies.