Customers shop at a duty-free store in Haikou, South China's Hainan province, July 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The "Dialogue between Haikou and Consulates-General of ASEAN Countries in Guangzhou 2025" concluded on Friday, strengthening regional ties as the Hainan Free Trade Port approaches its island-wide special customs operation launch on Dec 18.

The event, now in its 17th edition, has become a flagship platform for Haikou's international exchanges and a stable communication bridge connecting the city with ASEAN diplomatic missions in China. This year's dialogue is expected to open new avenues for practical cooperation between Haikou and ASEAN nations.

The dialogue featured in-depth discussions on the Hainan FTP's policy advantages, development prospects, industrial planning, and investment opportunities. Participants explored new directions for collaboration amid the FTP's accelerated development.

A dedicated session showcased Haikou's urban development strategy and key industrial sectors, including film and television production and digital economy. The presentations comprehensively demonstrated Haikou's "City of Six Initiatives" development blueprint, highlighting its unique advantages in industrial innovation, urban construction, and quality of life.

With the upcoming launch of the island-wide special customs operations, the dialogue reinforced Haikou's commitment to deepening economic and cultural exchanges with ASEAN countries, positioning the city as a key gateway for regional cooperation under the Hainan FTP framework.

Kim Jun-cheol, operations team officer of the Mureung Strategy Division of Donghae City Hall from South Korea, said, "Key policies such as tariff-free, low tax rates, and tax simplification at Hainan Free Trade Port are a symbol of the Chinese government's willingness to open up to the outside world."