Free trade zones set to boost central areas

Hubei and Henan provinces well positioned to enhance targeted regional economic growth

Editor's Note: This is the second full-page report covering China's newly launched third group of free trade zones, seven of which are spread from northeastern to central China, and from eastern to western China. This full-page report looks at the advantages and attraction of the new FTZs in Henan and Hubei provinces, which have a combined population of 150 million people. With a well-established manufacturing sector, they are expected to be more open to investment and trade, and will help boost the upgrading of a series of industries in the central region with the establishment of FTZs.

The two recently launched free trade zones in Hubei and Henan provinces are expected to bring more momentum to a rising Central China.