China Unveils 16 Measures to Expand Hainan Free Trade Port

The Chinese government issued a circular on October 29, 2026, detailing 16 measures designed to expand foreign business and professional access to the Hainan Free Trade Port. These policies target several high-growth sectors, including biotechnology and telecommunications, as part of a national strategy for high-standard opening-up.

Under the new rules, foreign physicians can obtain permits to provide clinical services for up to three years, and foreign nationals will have access to more convenient work and residence permits. In the energy sector, overseas companies are now permitted to use bonded facilities at liquefied natural gas receiving terminals. The circular also promotes offshore trade, expands the range of bonded maintenance products, and encourages the use of the yuan in barter trade.

These initiatives follow a period of rapid economic expansion in the region. Goods imports and exports in Hainan rose 49.8 percent during the first three quarters of 2026, while the State Administration for Market Regulations of China reported a 38.6 percent increase in newly established foreign-invested enterprises.