Hainan Free Trade Port attracts global firms in life and health sector

CGTN

Updated: 2026-06-02

More international companies are exploring business opportunities in Hainan, China's tropical island province, following the launch of the island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port. At a recent event, more than 170 companies from 19 countries and regions visited the island to seek cooperation in the life and health sector.

Healthcare executives, investors and entrepreneurs gathered in Hainan last week for the "Dialogue on Hainan Free Trade Port: A New Global Vision for Health". Many came to learn how the free trade port could help them enter the Chinese market faster.

During the event, companies signed cooperation deals in areas including medical equipment, healthcare services and elderly care.

International participants visited several cities across the island to learn more about Hainan's business environment.

Communication Director Synerbridge Solutions Floben Boden said, "Here, I think a much bigger potential you can see for new products to test here to get quicker to the Chinese markets. So I'm very excited."

For many international businesses, Hainan is becoming a gateway into China.

Executives said the island's policies could help speed up market access in the world's second-largest economy.

2025 marked a major milestone for Hainan. After years of preparation, the free trade port officially launched the island-wide special customs operations — creating new opportunities for global companies looking to enter China and expand across Asia.

Business leaders also see long-term potential beyond policy support. They said Hainan's growing international business ecosystem could create more partnerships between Chinese and overseas companies.

Robin Peter Tensen, founder & CEO of GlobalTech IP, said, "What we would like to do is to create a hub, a co-creation hub, so not only attracting foreign companies into Hainan, but also helping Chinese companies engage with those foreign companies and then together going global."

Participants also said Hainan could do more to promote its lifestyle appeal to global investors.