Star Cruises’ Star Voyager berthed at Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Terminal. (Photo/Xinhua)

Dubai - China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is a "forward-looking project," and the launch of its special customs operations signals progress towards a high-standard free trade regime, said Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), in a recent interview with Xinhua.

World FZO, a non-profit established in 2014 and headquartered in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, is dedicated to promoting innovation and development across free zones worldwide.

The Hainan FTP began special customs operations on Thursday, lifting the share of zero-tariff goods in the FTP from 21 percent to 74 percent and further opening sectors, including tourism, modern services and high-tech -- an important step in China's pursuit of high-level opening-up despite rising global protectionism.

Having visited the southernmost Chinese island province four times, Hamrouni said Hainan "has a big and brilliant future," and the establishment of the FTP positions the island to become a globally competitive hub.

"I expect this shift to accelerate trade flows, enhance duty-free and tourism industries, and attract investment in manufacturing, services and advanced logistics," he said.

According to statistics from World FZO, there are an estimated more than 3,000 free trade zones and ports globally, after the first modern free zone took shape at Shannon Airport in Ireland in 1959.

Hamrouni said free zones today have evolved into "integrated nodes" in regional and global supply chains, serving as hubs for advanced logistics, digital trade, high-value services and sustainability initiatives.

Digital customs systems, automation and circular-economy models will shape the next generation of such zones, he added.

Hainan FTP signals China's commitment to deeper institutional opening, and the island is becoming a large-scale testing ground for trade rules, modern customs practices and streamlined business environments, Hamrouni said.

"If successful, the model could inspire broader reforms across China. Internationally, it reinforces China's intent to integrate more fully with global value chains and provide investors with clearer, more predictable pathways into its market," Hamrouni added.

China's efforts, he said, will raise global expectations for efficient, digital and transparent trade environments. For developing economies, Hainan's experience presents both opportunities and pressures. "Those that modernize their customs, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks will be well-positioned to integrate into upgraded global value chains."

He said Hainan should continue strengthening its maritime, air and digital links with ASEAN, South Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East. With the right partnerships and logistics connectivity, the island could become a natural platform for regional cooperation.

Hamrouni said World FZO stands ready to deepen cooperation with Hainan through training, policy advisory, research collaboration and connections with its global network.

"We can support Hainan in benchmarking its progress, adopting international best practices, and engaging with free zones and investors around the world," he said.