A press conference on Hainan's 2018-2019 plans for optimizing the business environment was held in Haikou, capital of Hainan province, on Dec 10.

The plans took into account the 2019 business environment report of the World Bank as well as Hainan's current business climate to further accelerate legalization, internationalization and facilitation in the province.

A total of 40 reform measures divided into 11 categories were mentioned in the action plans,  including starting a business, obtaining construction permits, property registration, tax facilitation, cross-border trade, protection of investors, contract performance, bankruptcy, and creating a service-oriented government.

The measures took effect on Dec 10 to promote the construction of the China (Hainan) Pilot Free Trade Zone and a free trade port with Chinese characteristics.