BEIJING, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)--The Dalian area of China (Liaoning) Pilot Free Trade Zone (Liaoning FTZ) aims to become an important area opening-up to and cooperating with Northeast Asia, local officials in Dalian said.
Dalian area of Liaoning FTZ was launched in Dalian Jinpu New Area on April 10 and covers an area of 59.96 square kilometers, accounting for about half of the area of the Liaoning FTZ.
Wang Qiang, director at the administration committee of Dalian Jinpu New Area, said that the new area recently issued 19 policies related to attracting and fostering professionals to create an excellent environment in Jinpu and the Dalian area of Liaoning FTZ.
The Dalian area of Liaoning FTZ and the Jinpu new area will mainly boost such sectors as shipping and logistics, finance and commerce, advanced equipment manufacturing, high technology and modern services. They want to help Dalian to become the center of international shipping and logistics in Northeast Asia, local officials said.
Xiao Shengfeng, mayor of Dalian, said that governments at different levels in Dalian should take the opportunity of the Dalian area of Liaoning FTZ to create a stronger and more open investment and trade environment.
"The FTZ needs to strengthen contacts and communication with companies, learn about businesses' demands and help companies to solve problems and provide better services to foreign-funded enterprises," Xiao said.
In the first month after the Dalian area of Liaoning FTZ launched, it attracted 1,900 companies with combined registered capital of more than 5 billion yuan (730.9 million U.S. dollars). The companies cover such fields as finance, trade, logistics, leasing and information technology.
Guo Ping, professor at the law school of Dalian Maritime University, said that FTZs play an active role in promoting international trade, facilitating trade procedures and driving international transportation.
The Dalian area of Liaoning FTZ boasts distinct advantages and features, local officials said.
It has a good location as Dalian is in the center of Northeast Asia's economic region and also one of the first cities in China to undergo opening-up.
The area has a well-established system for its opening-up. It is home to the first bonded area, bonded port area, export processing area and high-tech park in Northeast China.
(China Daily, edited by Tong Wei)
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