The recent trip to Hainan by Massimo Ambrosetti and Valerio De Parolis shows that Italy is increasingly interested in the island’s development as a Free Trade Port and sees potential for closer cooperation between the two sides.
Ambassador Ambrosetti meets with Feng Fei, Party Secretary of Hainan on March 29, in Haikou. Photo: courtesy of the Consulate General of Italy in Guangzhou.

On March 29, Ambassador Ambrosetti met with Feng Fei, Hainan’s Party Secretary, in Haikou. (Photo provided by the Consulate General of Italy in Guangzhou.)

 

On March 29, Ambassador Ambrosetti met officially with Feng Fei, Party Secretary of Hainan. During their talks, both sides discussed how to strengthen ties between Italy and Hainan, with a particular focus on the opportunities created by the Free Trade Port. The meeting highlighted their shared interest in deepening economic and institutional cooperation, viewing Hainan as a gateway for Italy to further engage with the Chinese market.
Ambassador Ambrosetti remarked, “Italy is closely following Hainan’s growing role as a bridge to the Chinese mainland. We’re keen to explore opportunities in key sectors supported by the new Free Trade Port, which we believe can bring our economies even closer together.”

The Ambassador and the Consul General visit Jiangdong New Area on March 30. Photo: courtesy of the Consulate General of Italy in Guangzhou

Following visits to the Jiangdong New District and the Hainan International Economic Development Bureau, the delegation gained deeper insight into the island’s development strategy and investment environment. Local officials highlighted potential areas of cooperation for Italian companies, while Ambassador Ambrosetti spoke about the broader challenges Italian businesses face in China. He noted, “Italian companies, especially small and medium-sized exporters, sometimes encounter difficulties accessing the Chinese market due to regulations, tariffs, logistics, and operational barriers. In this regard, the Hainan Free Trade Port could provide practical solutions, offering a simplified business environment with zero tariffs, independent customs arrangements, and targeted financial incentives.” He added, “The Hainan Free Trade Port has introduced a number of attractive policies, such as the preferential tariff system, which allows companies to enjoy tax and duty exemptions when they meet certain value-added thresholds.”

 

In addition to formal meetings, the visit also included talks with the Italian business and academic community in Hainan, as well as on-site tours of important development zones like the Lingshui Li’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone and the Hongzhou Yacht Marina. Discussions there focused on potential cooperation in education, tourism, and the marine economy.

An official meeting between the Italian delegation and Party Secretary of Hainan Feng Fei. Photo: courtesy of the Consulate General of Italy in Guangzhou.

Several areas of potential cooperation between Italy and Hainan are starting to take shape. During a visit to the Hongzhou Yacht Marina in Sanya, the Ambassador pointed to opportunities in the maritime sector, especially yachting. “Italy is globally recognized for its strengths in design, building, and services,” he said, while noting that Hainan’s investments in ports and boating infrastructure open the door for partnerships. In jewelry, he added, “We’re looking at Hainan’s policies that encourage value-added processing and easier trade, to see if they can help Italian companies enter the Chinese mainland market more smoothly.” Agriculture and healthcare also offer possibilities: “Hainan’s tropical climate provides excellent conditions for research and genetic selection,” he remarked, and “we’re also very interested in the pharmaceutical and bio-medicine sectors. The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is an attractive platform for bringing in advanced medical resources and offers opportunities for Italian pharma and biotech companies to get involved

Ambassador Ambrosetti and Consul General De Parolis pose for a group picture in Jiangdong New Area. Photo: courtesy of the Consulate General of Italy in Guangzhou.

Looking back on his visit, Ambassador Ambrosetti also shared a personal impression: “I was truly struck by Hainan’s natural beauty and green spaces, even in the city areas. I also really liked Haikou’s historic district, the Qilou portico. It’s impressive to see efforts to balance economic growth with environmental protection.” The architecture of Qilou, in particular, reminds visitors from the West of European—especially Italian—covered walkways. Looking ahead, he added, “I hope that in the coming years, more Italian companies and professionals will take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Free Trade Port, building partnerships that benefit both sides.”

Overall, the visit was a meaningful step in strengthening ties between Italy and Hainan. It highlighted the real opportunities ahead and showed that continued dialogue will be important to make the most of Hainan’s potential as an emerging hub.