Bringing together partners from across the globe to explore opportunities for global expansion, the 2026 China · Chengmai International Economic and Trade Fair, opened on Oct. 31 in Chengmai county, south China's Hainan Province under the theme "Go Global, Come to Chengmai!".

Economic and trade delegations from countries and regions around the world, representatives of leading enterprises and other distinguished guests gathered in Chengmai to seize the opportunities offered by the Hainan Free Trade Port and chart a course toward shared prosperity. Running from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, this year's fair featured a series of special events under the "1+10+X" format.

A scene from the opening ceremony of the 2026 China · Chengmai International Economic and Trade Fair on Oct. 31 in Chengmai county, south China's Hainan Province. (Provided to People's Daily Online) 

As the Hainan Free Trade Port approaches the first anniversary of the launch of island-wide special customs operations, the fair was held in Chengmai for the third consecutive year. Five themed events focusing on finance; culture, tourism and sports; youth development; "One Person Companies" (OPCs); and the gaming industry had already kicked off ahead of the opening ceremony.

After three years of development, the fair has become a key platform for Chengmai's flagship investment promotion initiative and an important window for the county's opening-up.

A signing ceremony for cooperation projects at the 2026 China · Chengmai International Economic and Trade Fair in Chengmai county, south China's Hainan Province. (Provided to People's Daily Online) 

A signing ceremony for key projects was held during the opening ceremony, with the total value of signed agreements reaching a new high. The projects span key sectors including new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, new materials and high-end equipment manufacturing, culture, tourism and wellness, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. The event also saw the announcement of awards given to various companies and a list of model partners.

In recent years, Chengmai has pursued its vision of becoming a county defined by youth, culture, digital intelligence and well-being, while strengthening its "Go Global, Come to Chengmai!" brand. Focusing on five key sectors for international expansion, including gaming, cross-border e-commerce, advanced manufacturing, new energy vehicles and digital culture, the county has established an integrated service system combining platforms, supporting infrastructure and policy assistance. To date, more than 470 companies pursuing or engaged in overseas expansion have established a presence in Chengmai, with the benefits of industrial clustering becoming increasingly evident.

Over the next five years, Chengmai aims to achieve a GDP of 100 billion yuan (around $14.8 billion) and attract a cumulative total of 100 billion yuan in investment. It will accelerate the development of its modern "541" industrial system, make full use of key Hainan Free Trade Port policies such as zero tariffs, and further strengthen the five sectors for international expansion, creating a fast track for companies seeking to expand overseas.

Chengmai thrives by welcoming visitors, prospers through commerce and advances through enterprise. Taking the fair as a new starting point, Chengmai will continue to foster a world-class business environment and provide comprehensive follow-up services for signed projects, turning expressions of interest into concrete results. It also welcomes businesses and partners from China and abroad to share in the opportunities offered by the Hainan Free Trade Port and work together to expand into global markets.