19,470 firms sign up for three new FTZs

Nearly 19,500 companies have been attracted to China's three new pilot free trade zones, many involved in the country's fast-growing services and financial sectors.

A total of 19,470 enterprises started operations in the zones by the end of June, said Tang Wenhong, director-general of the Ministry of Commerce's department of foreign investment administration.

Tianjin, Guangdong and Fujian were added to the pilot free trade zone list in April, after the first FTZ, the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, was unveiled nearly two years ago.