Chinese premier calls for building high-quality Hainan FTP

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visits the construction site of a passenger transport hub in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, March 29, 2023. Li made an inspection tour in Hainan Province on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

HAIKOU, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday called for building a high-quality and high-standard Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) and improving old-age care and medical services.

Li made the remarks during his inspection in south China's Hainan Province.

At the construction site of a passenger transport hub in Haikou, the capital of Hainan, Li stressed efforts to push forward institutional innovation and opening up, and to accelerate building Hainan into an internationally influential FTP with Chinese characteristics.

Li said Hainan should make use of artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things to improve regulatory capacity and get better prepared for the island-wide independent customs operation by the end of 2025.

During his trip to a nursing home, Li called for actively responding to the aging population and strengthening services for the elderly, such as exploring community-based services and better satisfying old people's food and healthcare needs.

At a traditional Chinese medicine hospital, Li said Hainan should strengthen the medical and health service system so that people can enjoy more convenient and affordable services. The premier also highlighted the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine in preventing and curing diseases.

Li fully recognized Hainan's achievements in economic and social development and called on the province to write a new chapter in reform, opening up and modernization.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, talks with elderly people during his trip to a nursing home in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, March 29, 2023. Li made an inspection tour in Hainan Province on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)