(Yicai) Feb. 29 -- Shanghai will promote the development of a recently approved new global business cooperation zone in the city in various ways, including facilitating international business exchanges, according to the vice mayor.

Ease of entry and exit for international personnel is one of the zone’s key features, and Shanghai will continue to optimize the service processes to facilitate their management, Hua Yuan said at a press conference today. The management department will coordinate activities involving large numbers of people, such as exhibitions and training, he noted.

The Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone, an 880,000-square-meter area neighboring Shanghai Pudong International Airport, was approved by the China’s cabinet, the State Council, on Jan. 19. 

Foreigners can enter the zone from the airport and stay for up to 30 days without a visa, according to the plan released by the General Administration of Customs yesterday. Imports and exports in the zone are subject to the policies of the bonded areas.

The zone will make extensive use of new technologies, techniques, ideas, and materials to achieve digitalization, intelligence, and low carbon, Hua pointed out.

Shanghai has drawn up a initial concept plan for the zone and will solicit international design proposals. By the end of 2025, the aim is to construct exhibition centers, training facilities, hotels, and so forth along with supporting infrastructure, and start operations in pilot areas. Final completion of the zone is envisioned by 2030.

Shanghai wants the zone to be used for internationally renowned brand exhibitions and trade fairs. The city would also like to see international training activities by domestic and foreign universities, research institutions, multinational corporations, industry associations, and others within the area, including for medical equipment and flight simulation.

Editor: Martin Kadiev