Six new FTZs take opening to higher level

Zones to carry out reforms in line with their positioning, local characteristics

The six newly established free trade zones in China will further facilitate high-level opening-up and boost high-quality development through deeper reforms, the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.

The fresh batch of FTZs are located in Shandong, Jiangsu, Hebei, Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces, and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. So far, 18 FTZs have sprung up across the country.

Wang Shouwen, vice-minister of commerce, said the move shows the government's resolve to achieve high-level opening-up and support an opening world economy.

In order to better serve the overall strategy, the six FTZs will tap into their geographical advantages to deepen trade and economic cooperation with neighboring countries and regions, Wang said at a news conference.

For instance, Guangxi FTZ aims to promote cross-border trade, logistics and labor cooperation and to boost opening-up in border areas, Wang said. Heilongjiang FTZ will step up cooperation with Russia by facilitating movement of people across the border and encouraging companies to expand overseas, he said.

The pilot FTZs carry out differentiated reform tasks that are in line with their strategic positioning and local characteristics, according to the overall plan released by the State Council on Monday.