China Introduces Trade Facilitation Policies for Hainan FTZ

China’s Commerce Ministry recently issued a circular containing 30 policies aiming to improve the trade environment in the Hainan pilot free trade zone, according to a Jan. 8 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The policies will support “construction of ports importing drugs and biological products for the first time,” HKTDC said. They will also improve the shipping sector by allowing foreign ships to be “chartered for temporary transportation under specific conditions,” permitting “international ship management companies to engage in seafarer assignment service,” the report said.