The pilot free trade zone (FTZ) in East China's Anhui province, recently approved by the State Council, includes the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, according to a press conference on the new FTZ on Sept 24.

Focusing on innovation, the Anhui FTZ will strive to become a sci-tech pioneer, promote the development of advanced manufacturing and strategic emerging industries and set an example for further opening-up for inland regions.

A spokesperson from the provincial department of commerce said that Anhui will take full advantage of the autonomy given to build the FTZ, and that within the FTZ foreign investors will enjoy more freedoms and conveniences.

Measures listed in the plan for building the Anhui FTZ include facilitating cross-border e-commerce, constructing ports for the import of drugs and biological products, allowing foreign-invested travel agencies to conduct outbound tourism business, and allowing overseas institutions to cooperate in developing cross-border commercial health insurance products.

According to an official statement on the coverage, the Anhui FTZ will include areas in Hefei, Wuhu and Bengbu cities. The Hefei area will focus on the development of industries such as high-end manufacturing, integrated circuits, artificial intelligence and quantum information.

The Hefei area includes the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, the Hefei Economic Development Zone and Shushan district, which are the areas with the most innovation resources and strongest industrial foundation in the city.