2018-4-8

By Luo Yuze, DRC

The report of the 19th CPC National Congress proposed that work should be done to promote the formation of a new pattern of openness in all aspects, giving the free trade pilot zones greater autonomy in reform and exploring the construction of free trade ports. To this end, various provinces and cities from costal to inland areas have responded positively and drew up detailed plans. In this context, how to push ahead with the construction of China’s free trade ports has become an important issue that calls for urgent and clarified explanation. Based on the investigation on various types of free trade ports in the world and in light of the development of trade ports in China, the construction of free trade ports could be promoted through conducting trials in different demonstration zones.

With regard to international practice, free trade ports take various forms with a high degree of openness, customs clearance facilitation and preferential and inclusive policies. Free trade ports in the world mainly have the following features: 1. They are diversified in forms; 2. They have a high degree of openness with more freedom to run their course; 3. They provide customs clearance facilitation; 4. They enjoy preferential policies.

China boasts all the conditions to build free trade ports and this work is in step with the world development trend. 1. China has the foundation for the construction of free trade ports; 2. There are no typical free trade ports in China’s inland areas; 3. The construction of free trade ports in China is an urgent demand.

The construction of free trade ports should be carried out in line with the local conditions and local features. This work needs to be planned in a coordinated manner with an innovate development model and appropriate institutional mechanism. 1. The work should be based on an overall plan and top-level design; 2. The development model of free trade ports should be innovated; 3. Efforts should be made to explore new institutions and mechanisms in terms of free trade ports management.