Haikou Hainan International Digital Health Port Project
I. Project Overview
Leveraging policy advantages from the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), this project centers on health education, health services, and pharmaceutical/medical device trading, key subsectors within the broader healthcare industry.
It will establish three integrated platforms: International Health Education, International Health Services, and International Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Trading, forming a deeply integrated “Digital-Intelligent Medical-Education” ecosystem.
In coordination with the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, the project aims to build a high-impact healthcare industry cluster, attract supply chain partners across the value chain, and deliver diversified, high-value investment opportunities.
II. Development Prospects
1. Market Outlook
The project focuses on three core industries:
Near-Airport Manufacturing: Leveraging proximity to Meilan International Airport. According to the China Airport Economy Development Index Report 2024, Haikou’s Airport Economic Zone rose four positions in national rankings, making it one of the top four in the country, demonstrating strong growth momentum.
Health Industry: As public awareness of health continues to rise, consumer demand for health-related products and services is growing steadily. Since 2018, China’s health industry has experienced rapid and stable development, reaching a market size of RMB 7.09 trillion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.2%. This growth reflects the industry’s healthy and sustainable trajectory.
Agriculture-Industry-Tourism Integration: In 2023, the integrated agri-cultural-tourism sector exceeded RMB 900 billion in output. With dual drivers of policy support and technological innovation, this sector is rapidly evolving into a multidimensional ecosystem of “Agriculture + Culture + Tourism.”
2. Investment Advantages
Several sectors fall within the newly added encouraged industries under the Hainan FTP, including:
- High-end medical rehabilitation and nursing care services
- Advanced medical equipment and innovative pharmaceuticals
- Medical institution operations
- Trading platforms for eco-certified traditional medicines and specialty health products
Tax Incentives:
- Enterprises in encouraged industries that are registered and substantively operating in the Hainan FTP qualify for a reduced 15% corporate income tax rate.
Source: MOF & STA Notice [2020] No. 31; Hainan FTP Encouraged Industries Catalogue (2024 Edition) - Income from new overseas direct investments by enterprises in tourism, modern services, or high-tech sectors established within the Hainan FTP is exempt from corporate income tax.
Source: MOF & STA Notice [2020] No. 31
III. Project Details
1. Project Description
The initiative seeks to build a deeply integrated “Digital-Intelligent Medical Education” health platform. In concert with Boao Lecheng, it will shape an influential industrial cluster, attract partners across the health sector’s value chain, and offer high-value, diversified investment channels.
2. Development Scope
The total project area is approximately 11,053.39 mu (≈1,837 acres).
Phase I covers 3,309.34 mu (≈550 acres), including:
- Urban development land: 5,003 mu (≈831 acres)
- Rural development land: 356.54 mu (≈59 acres)
Key Development Components Include:
International Health Education Platform:
Oriented toward international markets and focused on three practically oriented technical disciplines: Health Management, Medical AI & Advanced Medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The anchor project is the Hainan Health Management Vocational College. The permanent campus will meet undergraduate standards, with Phase I (≈200 mu or ~33 acres) having started construction in the first half of 2024. The first buildings will be operational by mid-2025, with the goal of accommodating 5,000 students.
International Health Services Platform:
Collaborates closely with insurance firms to design precisely tailored insurance products that attract premium clients and channel them into the wellness industry. The platform links these resources with Boao Lecheng’s advanced technologies, serving as a digital-intelligent and innovative medical hub for both national and Southeast Asian markets.
International Pharma-Med Device Trading Platform:
This facility will enable institutionalized centralized procurement and routine trading of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumables, and traditional Chinese medicine (including raw materials), both domestically and internationally. It offers end-to-end services: exhibition, transactions, warehousing, settlement, and regulatory oversight.
3. Location
The project is located in Qiongshan District, Haikou, adjacent to Jiangdong New Area and Meilan International Airport. It is bordered by Yunlong Town (north), National Highway G223 (west), and Hongqi Town (south).
4. Investment Type
Equity investment and development partnership.
5. Project Stage
Currently in the preliminary feasibility and planning stage.
Investment Information
Estimated Total Investment (Phase I): RMB 14.393 billion
Funding Source: Self-financed by participating enterprises
Contact: Business@tropicalhainan.com for more information
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