On 26th March, during the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference 2019, Michele Geraci, Undersecretary of State at the Italian Economic Development Department said Hainan is a suitable place for establishing a free trade zone. Because Hainan is an island, it physically separate from other part of China.
Mr. Geraci suggested that Hainan can develop high tech research center and space industry, not just rely on tourism.