On March 25, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 sub-forum, the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum, opened in Boao. Visiting Hainan during this period is a delegation of international media reporters from 11 countries, including Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Fiji, who are taking part in the CIPCC Hainan Tour co-organized by the China International Press Communication Center and the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan Province. While here, they have taken part in a variety of forum-related events, embarking on a journey to explore the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP).

International media reporters, part of the CIPCC Hainan Tour, attend the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum. (Photo: Wu Duosheng)

The Global Free Trade Port Development Forum, a sub-forum co-hosted by the BFA Secretariat and the People's Government of Hainan Province and themed "Free Trade Ports Empowering Global Economic and Trade Cooperation", has attracted significant attention. At the BFA International Conference Center, representatives from domestic and international free trade zones (ports) engaged in thorough discussions on two key topics: "Leading the Free Trade Process" and "Gateways to Opening-up and Connectivity." The delegation of international media reporters immersed themselves in the event, observing and documenting the occasion from their perspectives.

International media reporters, part of the CIPCC Hainan Tour, attend the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum. (Photo: Yuan Yulong)

At the sub-forum, the reporters listened to each speaker's remarks, occasionally taking notes on key points. Girvan Leao, a reporter from the Tonga Broadcasting Commission, expressed that after this event, he would report more on Hainan, making people aware of the Hainan FTP and striving to promote more dialogue and trade exchanges between his country and China.

International media reporters, part of the CIPCC Hainan Tour, attend the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum. (Photo: Yuan Yulong)

"This is my first time attending the BFA Annual Conference. At the sub-forum, I saw many leaders from Asian countries and regions invited to discuss important regional development issues such as trade and investment. I believe this will help guide Asia towards a future full of opportunities," said Winda Nelfira from Indonesia's Liputan 6 News.

Isu Tuvshin, a reporter from Mongolia News.Net, mentioned that he had visited China several times before, but this was his first time in Hainan. As the influence and popularity of the BFA Annual Conference and the Hainan FTP have steadily increased in Mongolia in recent years, he was pleased to have the opportunity to participate personally in the Boao Forum for Asia. The sub-forum enabled him to feel the vitality of Hainan FTP construction, and he looked forward to what the future of the FTP will bring.

International media reporters, part of the CIPCC Hainan Tour, attend the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum. (Photo: Yuan Yulong)

The reporters could be seen dotted around the forum venue, engaging in conversation with participants. They inquired about experiences and development plans from representatives of free trade zones (ports) and also explored potential collaborations with domestic experts and scholars.

Guilherme Oblasser Paladino, a reporter from Brasil 247 News, stated that dialogue between key guests on the significance of free trade zones (ports) construction for global investment left a deep impression on him and strengthened his interest in understanding the Hainan FTP. At the same time, as someone from the other side of the globe, he hopes to see enhanced exchanges and the development of mutual trust and benefits between China and Brazil through the open platform of the Hainan FTP.

Do Thi Thu Hien, a reporter from Vietnam News Agency's television channel, reports daily on economic issues. She stated that in the context of increasing global uncertainties, the sub-forum provided a rare opportunity for her to understand further how free trade zones (ports) can promote international cooperation and drive global economic development. Her participation in the BFA Annual Conference 2025 and the sub-forum enabled her to realize that the Hainan FTP, as China's gateway to ASEAN, can share more development opportunities and dividends with ASEAN member states thanks to its favorable policies.

Later, the reporters made their way to the Dongyu Island Cultural Park to attend a dinner meeting for the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum and view the Exhibition on the Achievements of Hainan FTP Development and Danzhou City Exhibition. The Exhibition on the Achievements of Hainan FTP Development, boasting an extensive collection of photos, in-depth data, and multimedia displays, presents the achievements and vision of Hainan FTP construction. The reporters stopped to view exhibits, listened to the explanations, and asked questions to gain an in-depth understanding of Hainan's policy innovation and industrial development measures.

The Danzhou City Exhibition provided the reporters with a unique cultural experience. The beautiful singing, agile dance movements, and splendid ethnic costumes of the Danzhou Diaosheng ensemble proved a captivating scene. Tania Georgieva Glouhtcheva, a reporter from Bulgaria’s DUMA newspaper, said it felt like stepping into a fairy tale or a movie world and that the experience was unforgettable.

Mojca Pisek, a reporter from Slovenia’s Delo newspaper, also praised the performance: "It sounds amazing! The costumes, singing, rhythm, and melody are all perfectly harmonized."

International media reporters, part of the CIPCC Hainan Tour, attend the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum. (Photo: Wu Duosheng)

The reporters stated that their trip to Hainan allowed them to experience the vigorous development of the Hainan FTP personally and also built a new bridge for exchanges between different countries around the world. They hope that their reports present a global audience with a more vivid, three-dimensional image of the Hainan FTP and push international economic and trade cooperation to new heights.