The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), held from April 13 to 18 in Haikou, underscored China’s continued commitment to high-level opening up and growing foreign investor confidence, particularly following the launch of island-wide independent customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP).
This year’s expo attracted over 3,000 companies from more than 50 countries and regions. Canada, the guest country of honor, brought nearly 40 enterprises and set up a 400-square-meter exhibition area. Bulgaria and Russia debuted national pavilions, increasing the international presence at the event.
The implementation of independent customs operations in Hainan has begun generating tangible benefits. Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group adopted a “global sourcing, processing in Hainan, global distribution” model for its Xinglong Coffee brand, cutting procurement costs by about 220,000 yuan per million yuan of goods. Indonesia’s Sinar Mas Group also highlighted Hainan’s strategic advantages, citing its connection to ASEAN markets and the RCEP region, alongside institutional benefits from customs reforms.
During the expo, nearly 300 high-quality investment projects were launched at the “Invest in China · 2026 Global Industrial Investment Promotion Conference for the Hainan Free Trade Port,” with a total planned investment of 350 billion yuan. Of these, 68 projects involve intended foreign cooperation, representing 89 billion yuan in planned investment.
Global companies reiterated long-term confidence in the Chinese market. The Estée Lauder Companies announced continued investment in Hainan, including the upcoming launch of its travel retail logistics center in Haikou. L’Oréal emphasized Hainan’s role as a key innovation hub, while TCP Group expressed strong confidence in China’s higher-standard opening-up policies and pledged further investment.
With trade between domestic and international markets becoming increasingly integrated, the Hainan FTP continues to serve as a strategic platform for multinational enterprises seeking growth opportunities in China. The CICPE once again demonstrated that China’s vast consumer market remains open, dynamic, and attractive to global investors.
