Expansion of Shanghai FTZ seen as market boost

Ever since the announcement last week by the State Council, China's Cabinet, that the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone would be expanded to include Lingang New Area, Song Changjun has been bombarded with phone calls and messages from local real estate agencies touting apartments and even villas for sale in the area.

The 34-year-old Song, manager of an information technology company that was registered in Lingang six years ago, wasn't much interested in property. Nonetheless, the calls and messages convinced him he should investigate further.

Three days after the expansion plan was announced, Song stopped by the administrative service center - despite the municipal government's warning earlier that day that people should stay indoors to avoid Typhoon Lekima, which was about to hit the city.