Hainan Free Trade Port Port Development Exchange Conference

Excellencies,

Distinguished Leaders,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you for this important dialogue in the lead-up to the landmark opening of the Hainan Free Trade Port on 18 December. I would like to thank the organizers for bringing together policy-makers, port authorities, logistics experts, and international partners to discuss how the Hainan Free Trade Port can support global sustainable development.

The global context in which Hainan’s Free Trade Port is being launched is one of rapid transformation. Across the world, we see rising geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and uncertainty about the future of global cooperation. Global supply chains are being reshaped, technological disruption is accelerating, and climate and sustainability challenges are placing new demands on development models everywhere.

And yet, amid these pressures, the fundamental truth remains unchanged: globalization and open trade continue to be powerful engines for shared prosperity, regional stability, and sustainable development. When openness is predictable, transparent, and aligned with global rules, it fosters innovation, reduces inequality, and strengthens the resilience of economies and communities. This is as true today as it was when the multilateral trading system was first established.

The establishment of the Hainan Free Trade Port is therefore both strategic and timely. The move to commence whole-island customs operations on 18 December represents a major and forward-looking decision by the Chinese Government to deepen high-level opening-up and contribute to the modernization of global trade governance. Hainan’s model—zero tariffs, low taxes, facilitation of cross-border flows, and modern regulatory systems—represents an ambitious effort to build one of the world’s most open and innovation-oriented trade environments.

From the perspective of the United Nations, the significance of the Free Trade Port lies not only in its economic potential, but in its ability to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to a more interconnected, inclusive, and sustainable global economy.

There are several areas where the Hainan Free Trade Port can make particularly meaningful contributions:

First, strengthening international cooperation through openness.
Free trade ports can anchor predictable, rules-based environments that attract global investment, support diversified value chains, and build trust among trading partners. In today’s climate of fragmentation, Hainan can serve as a platform for demonstrating that cooperation—rather than isolation—is the most effective pathway to shared prosperity. This aligns directly with SDG 17 on global partnerships.

Second, accelerating innovation and technological transformation.
Free trade ports around the world increasingly operate as hubs for digital trade, smart logistics, and green technology. Hainan’s emphasis on digitalization, AI, blockchain, and advanced port management can position it as a leader in the next generation of port and logistics solutions—supporting SDG 9 on innovation and SDG 11 on sustainable cities.

Third, advancing green and sustainable development.
With global trade shifting toward low-carbon systems, Hainan has the opportunity to pioneer green shipping corridors, low-emission logistics, and sustainable tourism and investment standards. This can support China’s dual-carbon goals while contributing meaningfully to SDG 13 on climate action.

Fourth, deepening regional cooperation and people-to-people exchange.
Hainan’s strategic location—connecting mainland China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific—gives it a unique role as a bridge across the region. Openness in services, talent mobility, and innovation ecosystems can strengthen regional integration and support more inclusive growth across the Asia-Pacific.

Ultimately, the Hainan Free Trade Port is not just an economic initiative. It is a forward-looking model of how openness, sustainability, and innovation can reinforce each other. If developed in a way that places sustainability, digital inclusion, and regional partnership at its core, Hainan can become a global example of how free trade ports can contribute to a greener, more resilient, and more connected world.

The United Nations in China stands ready to support Hainan’s development through international best practices, South–South cooperation, and policy dialogue.

I wish you a productive and inspiring discussion, and I look forward to continued collaboration as Hainan opens a new chapter in high-quality development and global engagement.

Thank you.