Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh hailed the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) as a "game-changer" for regional commerce during a press briefing this week. With its newly launched special customs operations, the island is set to streamline cross-border trade and unlock fresh opportunities for ASEAN nations—especially Vietnam, China’s largest trading partner in the bloc.
"This isn’t just about tariffs or logistics—it’s about creating a digital-first, sustainable trade ecosystem," said Binh, emphasizing how the FTP’s innovations could benefit sectors like tech, agriculture, and green energy. Analysts predict the zone will boost Vietnam’s exports of electronics and farm goods while attracting more Chinese investment in renewable energy projects.
Young entrepreneurs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are already buzzing about the potential. "Think faster approvals for e-commerce startups and smoother supply chains for sustainable fashion brands," shared Linh Nguyen, a 24-year-old logistics app developer. 🌱💡
As ASEAN’s digital economy eyes $1 trillion by 2030, Hainan’s reforms position it as a testing ground for cutting-edge trade tech—from blockchain customs clearance to AI-driven logistics. For Vietnam, this could mean doubling down on its role as a key link in Asia’s green supply chain.
