China Tests Measures to Lure Foreign Businesses to Free-Trade Zones

(Bloomberg) — China rolled out a number of measures to open up its free-trade zones as state leaders go on a charm offensive to woo foreign investors.

The government will test a slew of international trade rules in qualified free-trade zones or ports, according to a document released Thursday by the State Council, China’s cabinet.

“It signals to the foreign investment community that China is gradually opening the door wider,” said Frederic Neumann, chief Asia economist at HSBC Holdings Plc in Hong Kong.