CHINA. The Moodie Davitt Report will co-host a major industry seminar on the outlook for China’s duty-free sector at the China International Consumer Products Expo (Hainan Expo) in Haikou later this month.
The Hainan Expo, now in its sixth year, takes place on 13-18 April, with the session titled ‘Empowered by Customs Closure – A New Chapter for Duty-Free: Global Brands Discuss the Future of China’s Duty-Free Market’ on 14 April from 2-4pm.
The location for the invitation-only seminar is Conference Room 9, Hall 5 at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Co‑hosted by the Hainan International Economic Development Bureau (IEDB), Haikou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, Hainan Offshore Duty‑Free Association and The Moodie Davitt Report, the seminar brings together senior government representatives, leading duty‑free players and global consumer brand leaders to unpack policy benefits, industry transformation and next‑stage growth pathways.
The Moodie Davitt Report’s first co-hosted conference session at the event underscores surging international focus on China’s duty‑free market – and the transformative opportunities unleashed by Hainan Free Trade Port’s full customs closure policy implementation on 18 December 2025.
“We are extremely honoured to partner with such prestigious partners in co-hosting such a landmark seminar,” said The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie. “The calibre of speakers [see below] is extremely high and the subject matter deeply relevant at a pivotal time for the Hainan offshore duty-free industry and China’s wider travel retail channel.
“The fast-evolution of these sectors from historically price‑obsessed businesses to a much richer, experience‑driven, culturally resonant and innovation-driven ecosystem is to be welcomed and embraced, a key theme no doubt of the seminar.”
Against this landmark policy shift, taxation, trade oversight and cross‑border supply chain reforms have accelerated China’s duty‑free evolution from price‑led competition to experience‑driven, innovation‑led growth.
Improved logistics efficiency and enhanced fiscal advantages have further strengthened Hainan’s position as a global tourism and consumption hub.
A high‑calibre roster of speakers from across the global duty‑free value chain will share insights on market opportunities, consumption changes and brand strategy in the customs closure era.
The keynote address will be made by Yaoke Research Institute Dean, China General Chamber of Commerce Vice President and Yaoke Group Chair Dr. Zhou Ting (Tina), a leading authority on luxury and high‑end consumption in China. Her theme will be ‘Development Trends in Premium Consumer Goods and the Competitiveness of Travel Retail Channels’.
A roundtable discussion on new opportunities for the duty-free industry in the Customs closure era will feature China Duty Free Group Chief Marketing Officer Matt Liao, L’Oréal Travel Retail Asia Pacific Managing Director Jesus Abia, Changi Airport International Management & Investment General Manager – China & International Project Director Ma Yan and Avolta North Asia Development Director Alan Chen.
Separately, how AI is accelerating the development of travel retail will be addressed by Jessica’s Secret Founder & CEO Mirko Wang, an industry pioneer in travel retail digitalisation and data analytics, creator of the Jessica’s Secret price comparison app and AI Tracking price intelligence system and an advisor on duty‑free policy research.
Additional speakers from government, global brands and professional services will be announced soon.
By fostering high‑level cross‑border dialogue, the forum aims to strengthen collaboration between industry partners and support Hainan’s status as a leading international tourism and consumption centre. 🏝️
