Boao, 26 March 2026
Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Dr. Asad M. Khan, met with Ms. Ning Hongwen, Chairperson of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Hainan, on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026.
The discussion focused on strengthening trade and investment ties between ECO member states and Hainan, China, with particular emphasis on opportunities presented by the Hainan Free Trade Port.
The Chairperson CCPIT provided an overview of the Hainan Free Trade Port’s policy framework and incentives, highlighting its role as a gateway for high-quality trade and investment. She emphasized CCPIT Hainan’s readiness to support collaboration with ECO and its member states through business facilitation, trade promotion initiatives, and institutional linkages. She also shared specific policies, including visa-free entry to Hainan and zero-tariff measures, and encouraged cooperation between the ECO Chamber of Commerce and CCPIT Hainan, underscoring the potential for mutually beneficial outcomes.
The ECO Secretary General highlighted ECO’s efforts to promote regional connectivity, facilitate trade, and advance economic integration among its member states. He stressed the importance of leveraging platforms like BFA to expand market access and enhance engagement with regional value chains, welcoming the proposals for deeper collaboration.
Both sides agreed to explore practical avenues for cooperation, including business-to-business engagement, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, and joint events to promote trade and investment between ECO member states and Hainan.
