Hainan to become name card of China: Xi

HAIKOU - China will develop Hainan into a vivid example of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era and make the island province an example for the nation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Xi said efforts will be made to develop Hainan into a pilot zone for deepening overall reform and opening-up, a pilot national ecological zone, an international tourism and consumption center, and a major national strategic logistics zone.

"Hainan will become an example of the nation's image," said Xi.

The move is part of new reform and opening-up measures for Hainan announced by Xi at a conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of the province and special economic zone on Friday.

The central government will support Hainan in establishing trading venues for global energy, shipping, commodities, property, equity, and carbon emission rights, said Xi.

Reform will be advanced from a higher starting point in Hainan, said Xi, calling for increased efforts to remove the disadvantages of the existing system and mechanism.

Urban and rural integration should be accelerated and the reforms of talent, fiscal, tax, financial, and income distribution mechanisms, as well as state-owned enterprises should be deepened to form a more mature and complete system in Hainan.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Hainan becoming a province and special economic zone. The island, previously home to fishermen and poor farmers, now has a population of more than 9 million and is a vivid example of China's commitment to the future.

During the past five years, the island's GDP has increased by an annual average of 8.1 percent to 446 billion yuan (about $71 billion) in 2017.