Li Qiang (1st from right), Party secretary of Shanghai, conducts an inspection tour in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone on Feb 3. [Photo/china-shftz.gov.cn]

The China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone should further deepen reforms and institutional innovation, said Li Qiang, Shanghai's Party secretary, during an inspection tour in the zone on Feb 3.

Li added that the zone should create new advantages in global cooperation and competition, as well as play a bigger role to help Shanghai set up a new development pattern.

Li also suggested that the Shanghai FTZ should actively make use of the "spillover effect" of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and build itself into a comprehensive platform for opening-up and cooperation for enterprises to fully engage in the global market when he paid a visit to the National (Regional) Pavilion Project in the zone.

The National (Regional) Pavilion Project is an integrated platform project based in Shanghai Waigaoqiao Pilot Free Trade Zone, which was designed to promote exchange and cooperation in the fields of economy, culture, education, as well as other industries between Shanghai and foreign countries or regions. Currently, the project has introduced 10 pavilions from 14 countries and regions, including the Chile National Pavilion.

Li said that the Shanghai FTZ should give full play to the CIIE's role as a perennial exhibition and trading platform, as well as bring more high-quality products and services into the Chinese market.

Li also expressed his hope that foreign companies will seize the available opportunities and introduce more advanced technologies, high-quality products, as well as specialized services to the Chinese market to expand the depth and width of their trade and investment.

He added that the Shanghai FTZ will continue to foster a world-class business environment, helping foreign enterprises achieve better development in Shanghai.