As Hainan Free Trade Port emerges as China's vanguard of opening-up, Haikou, the provincial capital, is playing a pivotal role in shaping the core area of the initiative.

"Our vision is to transform this core area into a modern and internationally-oriented new Haikou," said Ding Hui, mayor of Haikou and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress.

Haikou, Hainan's provincial capital, is accelerating preparations for the independent customs operations of the free trade port and creating a vital hub in domestic and international dual circulation, Ding said.

The city is spearheading the expansion of Meilan International Airport Phase III, deepening its linkages with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta, elevating its global connectivity and supply chain service management capabilities, and building itself into an international gateway hub city.

"Haikou is also committed to unleashing its developmental potential and fostering a climate of robust investment," Ding said.

The city's imports and exports of goods increased by 30.5 percent last year, propelling Haikou into the ranks of China's top 100 foreign trade cities. It also experienced a 36.7 percent surge in new foreign-funded enterprises, coupled with an 86 percent rise in foreign investment filings. Sixty-eight Fortune 500 enterprises have set up a presence in the city.

With the rapid development of its advanced manufacturing industry and surge in international tourism consumption, Haikou, though encompassing only about a 10th of Hainan's total area, contributes over a third of the province's gross domestic product and fixed asset investment, he said.

This aerial photo taken on Sept 12, 2023 shows a view of the container terminal of Haikou Port in Haikou, South China's Hainan province. [Photo/Xinhua]

In August, Haikou was selected as one of the inaugural pilot cities for the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises in China.

During the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, Haikou received 1.82 million tourists, up 30.5 percent year-on-year, and achieved tourism revenue of 2.75 billion yuan ($382 million), up 52.6 percent.

Haikou serves as the primary entry point for over 90 percent of the province's production and living materials, Ding said. Last year, it resumed or opened 29 international passenger routes including destinations like Sydney and Auckland, facilitating the transportation of more than 24.33 million passengers, up 118 percent year-on-year.

The expansion of international sister city relationships to include Valencia, Brazil, last year took Haikou's tally of international sister cities to 44.

The allure of Haikou's favorable employment and living environment has attracted over 275,000 talented individuals since April 2018, constituting 81.1 percent of the province's talent influx.

By setting its sights on achieving the world's highest level of opening-up and fostering institutional openness through rules, regulations, management and standards, Haikou is poised to become a leading global player in international cooperation and trade, Ding said.