Trade zones to grow, gain more latitude

Premier calls for areas for e-commerce, FTZs to contribute more to opening-up

Pilot free trade zones will be allowed to undertake more experiments with reform and opening-up, and the number of comprehensive zones for cross-border e-commerce will rise, as an effort to seek innovation in foreign trade growth, a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang decided on Wednesday.

"Pilot free trade zones have gathered a lot of good experience in the past six years since their launch. In particular, they have set an example in streamlining regulatory requirements and expanding opening-up," Li said. "There must be a stronger unity of purpose, supported by intensified efforts in this respect."