Institute to support pilot free trade zone in Shandong province

A research institute that focuses on the development of pilot free trade zones was founded in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, on Monday in a bid to provide intellectual support for the province's campaign on building a pilot FTZ.

Backed by the School of International Trade and Economics at Shandong University of Finance and Economics, the institute will emphasize sectors such as big data in FTZs, financial reform and innovation at FTZs, policy assessment and talent training.

Local media reported Shandong has been actively exploring the building of a pilot free trade zone and has submitted plans to higher authorities.