Hongqiao builds bridges to the future

Xu Jian, vice-dean of the China Institute for Urban Governance of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said, "When people talk about opening-up, they usually think of Pudong New Area, because it has attracted a lot of foreign investment and talent, but this was more of a one-way flow.

"With its proximity to neighboring cities in the Yangtze River Delta, the Hongqiao International Hub will further promote Chinese companies going global. It will be a connector for domestic and international trade."

Zhang Wei, deputy head of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said the measures planned for the Hongqiao area are aimed at bridging the domestic and overseas markets, better facilitating China's industrial and consumption upgrading, producing an optimized road map for industry, and perfecting the country's opening-up.

"The Shanghai Free Trade Zone has opened the gate connecting China's rules and international rules. The Hongqiao area will nurture a regional coordination mechanism amid domestic circulation, and both are important contributions to China's economic growth," she said.