"We hope we can make Hainan Island become a new type of free trade port in the world," said Zhang Jianping, deputy director of the academic committee at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. After the special customs operations begin in Hainan, the proportion of products eligible for zero tariffs will rise to 74 percent and investment will become more facilitated. In the future, Hainan Island will be very attractive for both foreign investors and international tourists.

Fu Rundian contributed to this story.