The Hainan Free Trade Port initiated an international services portal on Monday, three days before the launch of its landmark, island-wide special customs operations. The portal, en.hainan.gov.cn, centralizes information and streamlines services for expatriates and foreign-invested enterprises.

The timing lines up with the island province's push to increase accessibility as it reaches a key juncture in its development. The island-wide special customs operations, set to begin on Dec 18, mark a significant phase in China's wider opening-up policy.