The China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (SHFTZ), located in Pudong New Area, is a regional free trade zone founded by the government of China. It was established on Sept 29, 2013 and originally consisted of Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Logistics Park, Yangshan Free Trade Port Area and Pudong Airport Free Trade Zone.

The State Council decided on December 28, 2014 to expand SHFTZ by incorporating Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone, Jinqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, enlarging the SHFTZ from 28.78 square kilometers to 120.72 square kilometers.

Then on August 6, 2019, Lin-gang Special Area, a newly added part of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone was officially launched, with many expecting the area to become a new driver for China's deepened opening-up.

Advantages

The SHFTZ has advantages in five aspects.

SHFTZ's first advantage is regarding negative list filing management. It is only SHFTZ that has consistent control over domestic and foreign capital off the negative list being implemented.

The second advantage is the openness of its service and manufacturing industries. Since its establishment, the zone has issued 54 opening-up measures in two batches, involving the service industry and some fields in the manufacturing industry. All these opening-up measures are only being piloted in the zone.

Thirdly, SHFTZ implements filing management over foreign investment. Previously, foreign investment had to be examined and approved by the authorities, and it used to take three to six months for the procedures. Now foreign investment of less than $300 million only needs to be filed in the zone, and it can be completed in three workdays.

Fourthly, a new trade facilitation mode is also one of the zone's advantages. The special customs supervision areas in the zone are piloting a mode that allows ease of control on the first line, effective and efficient control on the second line and free trade within the zone.

SHFTZ also boasts financial innovation as an advantage. Financial openness and innovation are the highlights of the zone's reforms. Some types of business such as the two-way cross-border RMB cash pool are well received by the zone's companies and have been promoted and copied throughout the country.

Enterprises

UnionPay International, China Aviation International, Maserati, COSCO Container, Slade, Takahashi International Trade Operating Center, Yitong International and other internationally renowned enterprises have already settled in the SHFTZ.

Shanghai FTZ Bonded Area

The bonded area of Shanghai FTZ was officially founded on Sept 29, 2013, upon the approval of the State Council. It consists of Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Logistics Park, Yangshan Free Trade Port Area and Pudong Airport Free Trade Zone and occupies a total area of 28.78 square kilometers.

It is a pilot area where to carry out the reform measures in terms of the transformation of government functions, financial system, trade services, foreign investment and tax policy. The zone also boosts the development of port and offshore businesses in Shanghai.

Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone

Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone consists of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone and Expo Development Park. It is the core of Shanghai International Financial Center, Shanghai International Shipping Center and Shanghai International Trade Center.

Work is under way to establish a financial system that follow international rules and practices, attract the headquarters of multinationals with fine services, and carry out reforms to facilitate foreign investment, cross-border trade, international financing and market supervision, and create a good legal environment for businesses.

Jinqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone

Jinqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone is located on the 20.48-square kilometer ground. It has become a showcase of advanced manufacturing, production services, emerging industries, and eco-friendly environment.

The zone is focusing on administrative and financial reforms, creating good business environment to facilitate trade, fostering strategic growth industries for sustainable growth and international competition, and promoting energy and creation capability to achieve economic development.

Zhangjiang High-Tech Park

Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, occupies some ground of 37.20 square kilometers. It is a base for innovations as Shanghai implements the national strategy for sustainable growth.

The area combines the development of Shanghai FTZ and the Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Area with a focus on enhancing its innovative capabilities, developing National Science Center and economies featuring new technology, new industry, new form and new model, providing a service platform for technical innovation, scientific and technological finance, and talent recruitment, and promoting integrated environment.

Expo Area

The Expo Area is a key part for Shanghai's new round of development where headquarters economy, shipping finance and high-end service industries are under rapid development. It consists of Pudong, Yaohua and Foreshore land parcels.

Centering on core function of international exchange, Pudong land parcel is a public activity center featuring culture and expo creativity, headquarters business, high-end conference and exhibition, tourism, entertainment, and ecological dwelling.

Yaohua land parcel is designed to be a waterfront functional zone that specializes in entertainment culture, tourism, and ecological construction with emphasis on business, commerce and modern dwelling.

Foreshore land parcel prioritizes the development of headquarters business, culture and sports media, and sports leisure, with the aim of becoming a gathering place of headquarters of non-financial multinational corporations and headquarters of enterprises under transformation.

It strives to become a world-level center activity zone together with Expo Park.