Bonded zones to be expanded

China aims to build its comprehensive bonded zones into globally competitive centers for process manufacturing, research and design, logistics, maintenance, repair and sales services, high-ranking officials said on Thursday.

Comprehensive bonded zones are special commercial areas managed by customs officials that feature favorable taxation policies.

Plans call for the zones to be improved with streamlined procedures to boost global competitiveness, said Li Guo, deputy head of the General Administration of Customs, at a policy briefing hosted by the State Council Information Office.