Policy digest

Pilot FTZs urged to expand access

Measures to further widen market access in China's pilot free trade zones, especially for the services sector, are being considered, according to a decision taken at the cabinet's executive meeting on Wednesday.

The meeting urged greater strides in opening up pilot FTZs so they can implement more measures that could be promoted in other areas.

Authorities at the provincial, regional and municipal level have been urged to delegate more administrative authority to the pilot free trade zones, especially in investment approval and market access. The reform of separating business licenses and operation permits will be fully implemented in all pilot zones, a statement released after the meeting said.

The meeting also called for full implementation of this year's edition of the negative list for foreign investment applicable to the pilot free trade zones and necessary adjustments to related laws and regulations.

It also proposed concrete measures to promote innovation in trade facilitation and integration between different means of transportation. Pilot programs focused on competition policy will be launched in the zones as part of efforts to level the playing field. The meeting also called for the role of pilot FTZs in reform and innovation to be further leveraged to facilitate development of their host cities and surrounding regions.