A report on the investment intentions of ASEAN enterprises in Hainan under the island-wide customs operation closure of the Hainan Free Trade Port has drawn extensive discussion among various sectors in Hainan and ASEAN regions. The report, released jointly by Hainan Daily Press Group and Malaysia's century-old financial media Nanyang Siang Pau, is seen as a practical guide for mutual understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation between ASEAN and Hainan.
Government departments and industrial parks noted that the report provides effective inspiration for investment promotion work. Hainan International Economic Development Bureau indicated that the report's timing is opportune, offering clarity for promoting Hainan's institutional openness—rather than tax incentives—as its key attraction. The report also highlights Hainan's role as an institutional interface linking China's domestic demand with ASEAN economies. The differentiation in perception between large corporations and SMEs revealed in the survey will help tailor investment advice and partnership matching.
Haikou National High-Tech Zone described the report as structurally complete, thoroughly researched, and innovative in its joint media approach. It focuses on ASEAN enterprises, a major source of foreign investment for Hainan, and offers real-world feedback for policy optimization. In 2025, the zone registered 6,068 new enterprises, including 104 foreign-funded firms. Moving forward, the zone will reference the report to attract more ASEAN investors.
From a corporate perspective, many local companies affirmed the report’s analysis of Hainan’s policy and market environment. The general manager of Hainan Qingzi Industrial Co., Ltd., the authorized operator of Lawson in Hainan, stated that the report offers reliable reference for ASEAN enterprises investing in Hainan and serves as valuable research for global firms exploring the free trade port. He observed significant growth in passenger flow and retail sales since the customs operation closure began.
Another food manufacturing company in Hainan echoed that the port’s policy benefits are becoming tangible, with improved customs efficiency and raw material imports. Hainan has become a pivotal base for their expansion into the Chinese market.
A technology company focused on game publishing cited the report’s finding that over 70% of ASEAN enterprises recognize Hainan’s investment value, which aligns with their platform’s growth. The detailed analysis helps businesses better understand ASEAN market demand.
Domestic experts highlighted the report’s methodological rigor, combining questionnaires, field studies, and roundtable discussions. Its design ensures scientific and reliable data, offering high-value insights for government decision-making. Suggestions were made for follow-up studies, including longitudinal tracking and policy communication assessments.
Legal scholars praised the report for incorporating legal and institutional factors into investment willingness research, breaking from traditional policy-heavy approaches. It provides empirical evidence to help optimize Hainan’s rule-of-law-based business environment.
ASEAN scholars affirmed that the report genuinely reflects regional enterprises' growing confidence in investing in Hainan. An assistant professor of economics noted that companies are shifting focus from policy attraction to operational feasibility, viewing Hainan as a low-risk gateway to the Chinese market. With continuous institutional improvements, Hainan has the potential to become a starting point for Asian economic integration.
Other ASEAN commentators emphasized Hainan’s role as a low-tax, high-flexibility operational platform within China, especially under RCEP. Business associations pledged to use the report to facilitate more ASEAN enterprises entering the Chinese market via Hainan.
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