With the imminent closure of Hainan Island, Huang Qifan suggests developing service trade and not "making shirts with suit material".

On December 2, 2025, the Bay Area dialogue session of the "Understanding China" International Conference was held in Guangzhou, with the theme of the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port and new space for international trade. Soon after, Hainan Free Trade Port will officially start island-wide closed-loop operations. Regarding the key development directions after the closure, Huang Qifan, Executive Vice Chairman of the Academic Committee of the China National Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy and former Mayor of Chongqing, proposed five key directions to be promoted, believing that they will have significant strategic importance for Hainan and the whole country. Firstly, Hainan should take the lead in achieving the integration of domestic and foreign trade. Secondly, vigorously develop high value-added service trade. Thirdly, build a hub and bridge for economic exchanges with Southeast Asia and China. Fourthly, establish a financial inflow base. Fifthly, become an important forefront for the internationalization of the RMB.