Over 100,000 enterprises settled in Guangxi's pilot free trade zone

The China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has attracted 100,000 enterprises to settle, marking a 28-fold increase from before its inception five years ago, according to the regional department of commerce in August.

Established in 2019, the pilot FTZ in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region aims to to promote the country's opening up to ASEAN and to pilot new mechanisms in China-ASEAN cooperation.

The FTZ comprises the Nanning area in the region's capital city, the Qinzhou Port area along the coast and the Chongzuo area bordering Vietnam.

So far, the zone has successfully implemented all 120 pilot projects assigned by the country and has replicated and promoted 169 regional-level innovations across the region.

The FTZ is set to leverage its geographic proximity to ASEAN countries, contribute to the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in western China, and serve as a key link between the Maritime Silk Road and the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Since the establishment of the first pilot FTZ in Shanghai in 2013, China has established a total of 21 FTZs, as well as the Hainan Free Trade Port. Located from coastal areas to inland regions and border provinces, these FTZs have become pacesetters for the country's high-standard reform and opening-up endeavors.

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin attended a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia at the Russian embassy in Beijing on Tuesday.

Shen, also the Chinese chairman of the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation, said that under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, China is willing to work with Russia to take the opportunity of celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties and the China-Russia Years of Culture to deepen cooperation in various fields and create more benefits for both peoples.

Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov said Russia stands ready to further deepen its traditional friendship with China and push for greater development of Russia-China relations.