China's free trade zones first launched in September 2013 with the Shanghai FTZ – a bold experiment to simplify trade, spark financial innovation, and open doors for global business. Fast-forward to November 2025, and the Chinese mainland boasts 22 FTZs covering under 0.4% of its territory, yet they punch well above their weight, driving 20% of the country's trade and foreign investment. 🚀
Key highlights:
- Launch date: September 2013 in Shanghai.
- Zones today: 22 across the Chinese mainland.
- Coverage: under 0.4% of land area.
- Impact: 20% of trade and foreign investment.
These high-yield fields show how targeted reforms can drive big results. For young innovators and global explorers, keep an eye on the FTZs—they're reshaping the future of trade. 🌏✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
