Foreign Ministry spokesperson: Hainan to become the gateway of China's high-standard opening up

The Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) will become an important gateway for China's high-standard opening up, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday.

Lin made the remarks during a regular press briefing on December 23, when asked about the recent launch of island-wide special customs operations in Hainan.

"Hainan has left a deep mark on the course of China's reform and opening-up," Lin said. "In the face of growing uncertainties in the global economy, China's response is to deliver its commitment to opening up with concrete actions, to fight protectionism with firm resolve and promote an open world economy."

Lin highlighted specific measures, including the elimination of manufacturing sector barriers on the negative list for foreign investment. He also noted zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines has been granted to all least developed countries (LDCs) that have diplomatic ties with China, promising more win-win cooperation.

From January to November this year, China saw over 60,000 new foreign-invested companies, a 17 percent growth compared to last year. Total trade in goods exceeded 41 trillion yuan (about $5.81 trillion), a 3.6 percent year-on-year increase. Lin reaffirmed that opening up remains a major task for next year, adding that China will open even wider, generate more development opportunities and inject new momentum for global common prosperity.