Set to further improve the openness, transparency and predictability of the Hainan Free Trade Port's business environment, China's first cross-border trade in services negative list came into effect for the whole of the island province on Thursday August 26th. 

The negative list specifically proposes special management measures (in terms of things such as market access, local presence, financial services, and cross-border trade) for foreign service providers who are offering services in cross-border settings.According to China's Ministry of Commerce, the negative list includes 70 special management measures in 11 categories for overseas services providers. For those industries not put on the list, domestic and overseas services providers shall have equal market access and a level playing field in Hainan.To ensure the implementation of the negative list, a framework was also formulated to stress regulation-making, policy explanation, and more.