Foreign media: Hainan's prosperity to surpass Hong Kong

Tourists enjoy themselves at the Jade Belt Beach in Boao, Hainan [Photo/Xinhua] 

The prosperity degree of Hainan province is probably to exceed world-recognized free trade port examples of Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong, according to a report released by the Latin American News Agency on May 3.

The report pointed out that the increasing tourist attraction of Hainan will make the province a new window deepening China's reform and opening-up policy with the support of the central government.

It will become an environmentally-friendly special economic zone, an international tourism consumption center, a free trade pilot zone and a Chinese characteristic free trade port applying the world's highest openness. 

The report said that the important decision can reflect China's future development strategy as China needs to change its current development mode to realize a balanced high-quality development against a background of increasing living standards. 

China now emphasizes domestic consumption and rebalance of service and technological innovation after years of decisive effects of export, industry and investment. 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, and the 30th anniversary of Hainan as a new province and a special economic zone. By early 1988 Hainan had progressed and innovated widely in infrastructure, residents' welfare, and rural and urban comprehensive treatment.   

In transportation, the 653-km Hainan Island High-speed Rail is the first trans-island line in the tropical region globally. Completed in 2015, it connects roads, airports and railway stations in 12 cities and counties in the province. 

As for environment protection, Hainan stands at the forefront. Its air, water and soil qualities are in the lead among Chinese cities. 

Hainan is also a rising force in tourism. Millions of foreign tourists and about 52 million domestic travelers visited the island in 2017. Since May 1, individuals from 59 countries and regions have been able to enter Hainan without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days.