The Tenth Anniversary of Free TradePilot Zones in China: FundamentalExperiences and Enhancement Strategies

Pei Changhong*

Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Shanghai Research Institute, Beijing, China

University of International Business and Economics, Beijing

Abstract: Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, thecountry has established 21 Free Trade Pilot Zones (FTZs), achieving significant pioneeringresults in reform and opening up and creating a strong demonstrative effect nationwide. Thebasic experience from a decade of FTZs includes: adhering to the centralized and unifiedleadership of the CPC Central Committee; combining top-level design with encouragementof grassroots innovation; leveraging the distinct characteristics and strengths of FTZs toform a differentiated development pattern; maintaining the integration of opening up withdomestic reforms; using openness to drive reforms; and organically combining opennesswith national security assurance. Under the current and future new circumstances, China’sFTZs face new challenges and tasks. In accordance with the directives of the 20th NationalCongress of the Communist Party of China, an enhancement strategy for the FTZs needsto be implemented. This involves the following: First, accurately understanding andresponding to the changing situation to create strategic opportunities. Second, shiftingparadigms to implement innovation-driven strategies, using the new development patternconcept to guide the reform experiments and construction of the FTZs. Third, granting moreautonomy to FTZs for reforms, pursuing progress while maintaining stability, and solidlyadvancing the reform experiments in the FTZs. Fourth, orderly expanding the opening up ofthe service sector and cautiously advancing the internationalization of the renminbi. Fifth,promoting innovative development in trade to build a strong trade nation. Sixth, establishingsynergy with bilateral FTZs, Belt and Road cooperation, and national diplomatic strategiesto enhance the linkage effect.

Keywords: Tenth anniversary of Free Trade Pilot Zones, experience summary,

JEL Classification Codes: F14, F43

DOI: 10.19602/j.chinaeconomist.2024.05.01