Forget what you’ve heard about red tape—Jake Canning, a 34-year-old from Leeds, England, is flipping the script on doing business in China. His Haikou-based pizza shop has become a local hotspot, proving that Hainan’s tropical vibes aren’t just for tourists—they’re a launchpad for global entrepreneurs. 🌴✨
Canning moved to the Chinese mainland in 2015, swapping Beijing’s hustle for Hainan’s beaches. "I wanted sunshine and opportunity," he laughs. Eight years later, his wood-fired pizza joint thrives, blending Italian flavors with island ingredients like lychee-infused mozzarella. 🍍🔥
Hainan’s free trade port policies, expanded this year, have made it a magnet for overseas investors. Over 2,000 foreign-led startups have registered here since 2023, with food ventures like Canning’s leading the charge. "The process was smoother than my pizza dough," he says, crediting streamlined licensing and bilingual support services.
As China’s southernmost province gears up for its 2026 International Consumer Expo, stories like Jake’s highlight Hainan’s growing role as a testing ground for cross-cultural business innovation. Who knew pineapple on pizza could be this revolutionary? 🍕💡
