Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, presides over the 18th biweekly consultation session held by the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, May 10, 2024.  [Photo/CPPCC Daily]

The 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held its 18th biweekly consultation session on May 10, at which they discussed implementing the strategy to upgrade pilot free trade zones (FTZs).

The session was presided over by Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee.

Noting that the construction of pilot FTZs is a major strategic measure by the CPC Central Committee in advancing reform and opening-up in the new era, Wang urged for thorough learning and understanding of the important instructions by the central leadership in this regard, put forward more targeted and effective suggestions for the high-quality development of pilot FTZs and the country’s high-level opening-up.

Specifically, Wang asked CPPCC members to focus on major issues to deepen research and put forward targeted and highly-feasible suggestions, timely identify problems in implementing related policies by such means as submitting proposals and research reports, soliciting public opinion and carrying out democratic supervision. He also called for extensive publicity work on the resolve of the CPC Central Committee to advance reform and opening-up, as well as on the advantages and prospects of the pilot FTZ upgrading strategy.

Attending members of the CPPCC National Committee spoke at the meeting, expressing the need to enhance innovation and regional coordination, deepen reform in key areas and fully tap pilot FTZs' demonstration role. Efforts are also needed to push FTZs to align with high-standard international economic and trade rules to facilitate free and convenient trade in goods, optimize cross-border financial system, strengthen international legal services, and coordinate and improve the risk prevention and control system, in order to achieve positive interaction of high-level "go global" with high-quality "bring in".

Officials from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs gave briefings on related matters and exchanged views with CPPCC members.