China expands foreign business access at world's largest free trade port

Cargo ships being loaded and unloaded at Hainan Free Trade Port, Haikou, Hainan Province, September 13, 2022. (Photo: VCG)

China has unveiled 16 measures to make it easier for foreign businesses and professionals to operate in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the world's largest FTP by area, with new policies covering energy trade, medical services and bonded business operations, according to a government circular made public Thursday.

Under the measures, foreign physicians legally licensed to practice medicine overseas may obtain permits to provide clinical diagnosis and treatment services in Hainan for up to three years, with extensions available in accordance with relevant regulations.

More convenient policies regarding work permits and stay and residence will also be introduced for foreign nationals.

The Hainan FTP, located in China's southernmost island province, launched island-wide special customs operations in December 2025, allowing freer entry of overseas goods, expanded zero-tariff coverage and more business-friendly measures as part of China's efforts to promote high-standard opening-up.

Overseas companies will be allowed to use bonded facilities at Hainan's liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminals, while the FTP will be supported in conducting LNG futures delivery warehouse operations after LNG futures contracts are launched.

Other measures include promoting offshore trade, expanding the range of products eligible for bonded maintenance, facilitating the entry of eligible bonded remanufactured products into pilot free trade zones on the Chinese mainland, encouraging the use of the yuan in new forms of barter trade, and deepening the FTP's economic and trade cooperation with China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The circular was jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the General Administration of Customs.