A cruise ship stops at the Sanya pier, Hainan Province. (File photo/China News Service)
(ECNS) - The Ministry of Transport has rolled out a plan to support Hainan Province's strategy to build a modern integrated transportation system amid the island's effort to develop a free-trade port.
The ministry will support the transport network necessary for a modern economic system, back Hainan's comprehensive opening up in the international shipping industry, and introduce innovative management policies covering cruises and yachts.
Efforts will also be made to promote the development of an international tourism center, improve the South China Sea rescue system, and facilitate the integrated development of port and navigation in the Qiongzhou Strait.
According to the plan, the ministry will also focus on advancing a number of major transportation infrastructure projects such as expressways and airports, while rural roads will be built to develop tourism and alleviate poverty.
The ministry vows to implement a more open registration and inspection system, support Hainan's plan to build an international shipping exchange, and introduce preferential tax policies for the shipping industry.
The ministry will also lend support to a planned home port for cruises in Sanya City and development of cruise lines.
The ministry’s plan includes measures to strengthen maritime search and rescue capacity, improve the ability to respond to severe weather such as typhoons, and ensure steady security in Hainan’s transportation.
The plan will also ensure that the proportion of new-energy buses in Hainan will reach 80 percent by the end of 2019.
