On 30 October 2022, the International Forum on Hainan Free Trade Port in ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation, co-hosted by the China Institute for Reform and Development and the Institute of Free Trade Ports with Chinese Characteristics, was held in Haikou. H.E. Mr. Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), delivered a video speech upon invitation.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun stated that under the current international situation, ASEAN-China relations have assumed greater strategic and overarching significance, which become an important force for maintaining stability and promoting development in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the world. Hainan is the largest special economic zone, the largest pilot free trade zone in China and the only free trade port with Chinese characteristics. It is also China’s gateway to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. With its favourable policy advantages and geographical conditions, Hainan Free Trade Port can not only draw strength from the achievements of ASEAN-China economic and trade cooperation, but also inject new vitality into the continuous development of ASEAN-China economic and trade ties.

Representatives from the China Institute for Reform and Development, the Institute of Asian Vision of Cambodia, the China Center for International Economic Exchanges and its Research Information Department, China Education Association for International Exchange, the Council of China-Southeast Asia Center for South China Sea Studies, the Center for Marine Strategic Studies of Peking University, Hainan University, China Foreign Affairs University and other experts and scholars from ASEAN and China were present at the meeting. They had a comprehensive and deep discussion on “Role of Hainan Free Trade Port in the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation between ASEAN and China” and “Construction of Hainan Free Trade Port Headquarters Base: Policy and System”.