Building state-level economic and technological development zones is an important measure for China to advance reform and opening-up, said He Yadong, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce. Notably, 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the first state-level economic and technological development zones in China. In the future, the Ministry will work with relevant departments and local governments to promote the high-quality development of development zones by making progress in the following four aspects.

First, serve as testing grounds for institutional reform and innovation. It is necessary to promptly introduce policies for the high-quality development of development zones, support them in deepening reforms, create new institutional advantages in management, and fully stimulate endogenous power and innovative vitality.

Second, act as pioneers in advancing high-standard opening-up. Positive efforts need to be made to support development zones in enhancing high-level investment attraction, continue to organize "Invest in China" events such as dialogue between development zones and Fortune 500 companies and industrial transfer matchmaking activities, and support development zones in participating in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and expanding international cooperation.

Third, build demonstration areas for developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions. Solid work must be done to accelerate the cultivation of a batch of strategic emerging industrial clusters and world-class advanced manufacturing industrial clusters, move industrial development toward higher-end, greener, and smarter production, and support entry into digital industries and future industries.

Fourth, become promoters of regional opening-up and coordinated development. Efforts will be beefed up to deepen paired assistance and joint development among development zones, promote cooperation between upstream and downstream industrial chains and supply chains, promote the orderly transfer and undertaking of industries, strengthen the positive role of eastern and southern regions in advancing the development of western and northern regions, and provide a strong impetus for regional coordinated development and new urbanization.