Beijing has expanded the Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) to include Beijing officially from 24 September. The FTZ comprised three substantial areas Science-tech Innovation, International Commerce Services, and High-end Industries, over an area of 119.68 square kilometres.
Each location will cultivate its specific industry; however, the Beijing FTZ, with help from the People’s Bank of China (central bank), will see the establishment of a legal digital currency zone and digital finance system. On top, the FTZ will also focus on offering better policies in the services sector, especially in financial services and is expected to give foreign banks and investors more convenience in setting up business in Beijing.
Science-Tech innovation area
The Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau has said that the area of science-tech innovation is 31.85 square kilometres, including the 21.59 square kilometres of Zhongguancun Science City and the 10.26 square kilometres of the place around Beijing Life Science Park.
The science-tech innovation area will focus on the development of new-generation information technology, biology and health, science and technology services and other industries.
At the same time, setting the foundations to build a digital economy pilot zone, a global venture and investment centre, and a demonstration zone for scientific and technological system reform.
Since the Beijing Life Science Park belongs to the Beijing Zhongguancun National Innovation Demonstration Zone, there are strong scientific and technological innovation capabilities with exceptional supporting facilities.
International commerce services area
The total aggregated area is 48.34 square kilometres, including the 28.5 square kilometres next to the Capital International Airport, the 4.96 square kilometres of the Beijing CBD, the 2.96 square kilometres of the Jinzhan International Cooperation Service Area, and the 10.87 square kilometres of the central business district which includes the area around the Zhangjiawan Design Town.
The International Commerce Service Area will focus on the development of digital trade, cultural trade, business exhibitions, medical health, global delivery logistics, cross-border finance and other industries to create a pilot area for innovation in the airport economy.
High-end industries area
The High-end Industrial Area totals 39.49 square kilometres, including the 10.36 square kilometres west of Daxing International Airport and the 27.83 square kilometres of the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone.
The High-end Industrial Area will focus on developing international financial, cultural creations and the industries related to biotechnology and health environment, and more.
Furthermore, it will be utilized as a base for transforming scientific and technological achievements, with hubs for strategic emerging industries and international high-end functional institutions.
What can foreign businesses do?
Foreign businesses interested in benefiting from the Pilot FTZ in Beijing or anywhere in China where there is an FTZ, can begin the procedures for registering immediately.
The Beijing FTZ opening will also promote the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, building itself into a science-tech innovation centre and accelerating the construction of demonstration zones to expand more services and pilot areas into the developing digital economy.
Thus, foreign businesses, by preparing beforehand, can guarantee a tactical market advantage and capitalize as soon as the pandemic restrictions are removed.
If you’re interested in finding out more and seeing which structure would best suit your needs, please enquire via email at infochina@acclime.com
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