Hainan, China, October 9–11, 2025 – The Mekong Institute (MI), through the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund (LMCSF) Project, led a high-level Thai delegation to the 11th World Free Zones Organization (FZO) World Congress in Hainan, China. The mission included a series of site visits, learning exchanges, and meetings with government officials, business organizations, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) authorities.
The Thai delegation comprised representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Board of Investment, National Economic and Social Development Council, as well as Chiang Rai SEZ and Songkhla SEZ officials.
Mission Objectives
The Hainan Mission was designed to:
- Gain insights into global market trends, emerging technologies, and innovative business models within industrial supply chains;
- Learn best practices and policy approaches from China’s successful SEZs;
- Identify Thailand’s competitive investment advantages to strengthen SEZ promotion strategies; and
- Showcase Thailand’s SEZs to potential investors while fostering long-term partnerships with Chinese investment promotion agencies.
Key Activities and Highlights
October 9 – Policy Exchange with Hainan Free Zone Authorities
The mission began with a meeting with the Hainan Free Zone Authorities, focusing on trade liberalization, investment openness, and industrial development as catalysts for economic growth. The Thai delegates gained valuable perspectives on Hainan’s regulatory framework and incentive mechanisms designed to attract global investors.
The session was followed by a site visit to the Yangpu Bonded Port Area, one of China’s earliest national-level development zones. Delegates observed firsthand the policy innovations, industrial clusters, and infrastructure that have positioned Yangpu as a key hub within the Hainan Free Trade Port.
October 10 – Participation in the 11th World FZO World Congress
In collaboration with the World Free Zones Organization and the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development, MI facilitated Thai participation in the congress themed “Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation.”
The Thai SEZs of Chiang Rai and Songkhla were highlighted as emerging investment destinations, offering unique advantages in logistics connectivity, border trade, and industry specialization.
Through engagements with global investors, policymakers, and business associations, the delegates explored opportunities for collaboration and exchanged insights on sustainable SEZ management and innovation-driven growth.
October 11 – Business Engagements and Knowledge Synthesis
The final day featured meetings with Hainan’s leading business associations and potential investors in sectors such as high-tech services, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, fintech, and tourism.
A site visit to the Hainan State Farms Group provided a practical look at the private sector’s contribution to regional economic expansion.
The mission concluded with an Internal Synthesis Workshop, where participants identified key takeaways and formulated recommendations to strengthen Thailand’s SEZ development and promotion strategies.
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About the 11th World FZO World Congress
Held under the theme “Zones: Gateways to Global Prosperity, Trade, and Sustainable Innovation,” the congress gathered business leaders, multilateral partners, and free zone representatives from across the globe. The event served as a dynamic platform for advancing trade and investment facilitation, sharing knowledge, and promoting sustainable innovation within SEZs.
About the Mekong Institute
Established in 1996 as an intergovernmental organization (IGO), the Mekong Institute (MI) represents all six countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). MI drives regional cooperation and integration through capacity development, policy dialogue, and knowledge sharing to accelerate sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction across the GMS.
About the Project
The LMCSF-funded project, “Special Economic Zone Promotion for Intra-Regional Trade and Investment in the Lancang-Mekong (LM) Region,” aims to enhance SEZ development and promote sustainable growth through improved investment strategies and stronger supply chain linkages. The project supports initiatives such as participation in trade and investment events, training workshops, and investment tours, as well as developing a digital platform for SEZ promotion and virtual business matchmaking.Ultimately, the project seeks to strengthen intra-regional trade and investment while improving livelihoods and economic resilience in Thailand and across the LM region.
