Amid growing challenges posed by unilateralism, protectionism, and geopolitical turbulence, the global trade system stands at a critical crossroad. Free trade now requires coordinated efforts from all sides to maintain openness and drive economic integration. In response to these unprecedented challenges, think tanks are not only expected to deepen their research, but also to play a greater role in expanding international partnerships, enhancing consensus and synergy, and safeguarding the future of free trade.

On April 13, during the seminar titled “Building an Important Opening-up Door Toward the World: Hainan Free Trade Port as a National Strategy”, hosted by the China Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD) and organized by the Hainan Institute for Free Trade Port Studies (HIFTPS), Professor Chi Fulin, President of CIRD, announced that with the support and coordination of relevant parties, CIRD has facilitated the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO)—which includes over 1,600 members from more than 140 countries—to hold its 11th Annual World Congress in Haikou from October 10 to 12, 2025. During the Congress, CIRD and World FZO will jointly launch the inaugural World Free Trade Forum.