Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday called for building a high-quality and high-standard Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) and improving old-age care and medical services during an inspection in south China's Hainan Province.

At the construction site of the passenger transportation station at Xinhai Port in Haikou, capital of Hainan, he said that the construction of the Hainan FTP is a major initiative in the reform and opening-up process. Li urged to speed up the construction of a free trade port with Chinese characteristics as well as global influence.

Li said Hainan should make use of artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things to improve regulatory capacity and get better prepared for the island-wide independent customs operation by the end of 2025.

He also inspected the development of the elderly care programs in Hainan and the operation of elderly care institutions. He stressed the need to implement the national strategy to actively cope with the aging of the population and strengthen the security of elderly services.

Home care is a major form of elderly care in China, he said, urging to focus on the expectations of the elderly, and actively explore the community embedded elderly services, to address the elders' needs such as meal and medical care.

The premier talked with the elderly and wished them health, optimism and long life. He pointed out the need to learn from international advanced experience, strengthen skills training and improve standardized services.

During a visit to Hainan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, he stressed the construction of medical and health service systems, promoting access to high-quality medical resources, and improving the direct settlement mechanism for medical treatment in different places, so the public can enjoy more convenient and affordable medical services.

Li fully recognized Hainan's achievements in economic and social development and called on the province to write a new chapter in reform, opening up and modernization.

Li will attend the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023 in Hainan's Boao town and deliver a keynote speech on March 30.