中国自贸试验区加力制度创新

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the acceleration of institutional innovation in China's Free Trade Zones (FTZs) as a key strategy to enhance economic openness and align with international high-standard trade rules [1][2]. Group 1: Institutional Innovation - The People's Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange announced a package of foreign exchange innovation policies to be implemented in FTZs [1]. - The Chinese government has reiterated the importance of institutional innovation in FTZs during various meetings, aiming to leverage the Shanghai FTZ's experience to align with international trade standards [1][2]. - The FTZs are seen as critical hubs for connecting domestic and international economic cycles, with a focus on creating replicable reform experiences for broader national reforms [2]. Group 2: Policy Measures and Outcomes - In 2023, the State Council issued a comprehensive plan to align with international high-standard trade rules, focusing on seven areas, including the expansion of service trade, with 80 specific measures proposed [2]. - As of March 2023, the 80 pilot measures have largely been implemented, leading to significant institutional innovations and the establishment of advanced experiences and typical cases [2]. - In the first quarter of this year, the total import and export volume of FTZs reached 2 trillion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 2.2% [2]. Group 3: Future Directions - The Ministry of Commerce plans to benchmark against high-standard agreements like CPTPP and DEPA, aiming for broader and deeper institutional opening-up trials in service trade and cross-border data flow [3]. - Future efforts in FTZs should encourage integrated exploration, transitioning from single-field policy trials to comprehensive institutional innovations, thereby generating broader development momentum [3].