|

The National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic regulator, released a new set of 24 measures on Aug 16 to help the Hongqiao International Opening-up Hub attract more multinational companies' regional headquarters, strengthen ties with neighboring cities to help advance the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region and further facilitate international trade.

The 7,000-square-kilometer hub connecting parts of Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu will explore higher-level opening-up and reinforce international cooperation, according to the 2021 framework plan of the State Council, China's Cabinet.

According to the measures, Suzhou and Jiaxing will be developed into important node cities in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration and become an international hub with global influence.

The Jiaxing Comprehensive Free Trade Zone will be allowed to apply for expansion when conditions are met. It is also able to carry out comprehensive reform trials for the high-quality development of the comprehensive free trade zone.

The measures also state that Jiaxing should step up efforts to build itself into an intermodal transportation center by speeding up the construction of an air transport center and transregional rail transit network.