Recently, the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce published the national list of Pilot City for Modern Business and Trade Circulation System in 2025, with Haikou selected in the list.
Since 2024, the two ministries have launched this pilot program to develop modern business and trade circulation systems. The initiative focuses on five key tasks: integrating urban and rural commercial networks, establishing essential goods supply systems, improving rural business distribution frameworks, cultivating backbone logistics enterprises, and enhancing urban-rural waste recycling systems. These efforts aim to establish modern circulation hubs that balance urban-rural development, strengthen supply resilience, and enhance regional connectivity with national strategies, major logistics corridors, and modern industrial clusters. Building on the 2024 requirements, the 2025 pilot program emphasizes innovative measures to accelerate new technology adoption, foster emerging business models, and deploy new infrastructure facilities. These steps will amplify the program's role in boosting consumption and supporting domestic demand expansion.
A spokesperson from Haikou Municipal Commerce Bureau stated that the city's selection holds significant strategic value, representing a crucial measure to address shortcomings, restructure systems, stimulate consumption, safeguard livelihoods, and prepare for the island-wide independent customs operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Moving forward, the bureau will collaborate with the municipal finance department to implement fund and project management mechanisms in strict compliance with pilot requirements. This includes launching project applications, evaluations, and database management promptly. The efforts will synergize with multiple initiatives of the FTP, including independent customs operation, digital economy development, modern logistics upgrades, and the creation of premium consumption environments. By embracing innovation, pursuing green transformation, and ensuring concrete implementation, Haikou will advance its modern business and trade circulation system while delivering high-quality results across all pilot tasks.