From Jan 4 to 8, Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), led a delegation of Hong Kong-based CPPCC National Committee members on a research tour to Hainan province. The tour focused on deepening cooperation between Hainan and Hong Kong to support the high-standard construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP).

The delegation visited Haikou, Wenchang, Qionghai, Wanning, Lingshui Li autonomous county and Sanya. They conducted in-depth inspections at port passenger hubs, port construction sites, high-tech industrial parks, duty-free commercial complexes, scientific research institutes, cultural and museum venues, as well as relevant enterprises, bases and villages. The delegation learned about the progress in policy implementation, industrial growth, scientific, educational and technological innovation, ecological protection and rural vitalization in the development of the Hainan FTP.

The delegation members stated that since the official launch of the island-wide special customs operations on Dec 18 last year, the construction of the Hainan FTP has shown a sound development momentum.

As both Hainan and Hong Kong are FTPs, they should explore new fields of cooperation on top of traditional areas, to support the country’s opening-up drive, the delegation members said.

They also noted that CPPCC members from Hong Kong should play an active role in pooling wisdom and strength extensively for the construction of the Hainan FTP, and pushing for more in-depth and solid cooperation between Hainan and Hong Kong in various fields.