China's province of Hainan is loosening up its travel rules for international visitors. This follows last year's setting up of a pilot free trade zone on the island, aimed at attracting foreign investment. Lu Sirui has more.

The rules affect visitors from 59 countries already eligible to visa waivers. They now can apply for entry into Hainan Province individually or by company invitation. Previously, they had to go through travel agencies. And their reasons for visiting now can cover activities such as medical care, sports, and attending forums. To make transportation easier, security officials also are going to again simplify the application process for getting a temporary driving license, and lengthen the time that it can be used.

JIANG WEI INSPECTOR, HAINAN PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU "Hainan is completely ready to implement the policies. We are committed to creating a helpful business environment, and will continue to optimize services and improve service quality."

The Hainan Pilot Free Trade Zone is a magnet for attracting international talents and business. Last year, more than 160 foreign-invested companies were set up in the island province, an increase of almost 86 percent year-on-year. The amount of foreign capital invested reached 7 hundred million U.S. dollars, up 113 percent from 2017. Lu Sirui, CGTN, BEIJING.