Over 90 businessmen from nearly 70 enterprises outside Zhoushan attend the promotional conference for the Xiaogan Island block of China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone on Sept 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A promotional conference for the Xiaogan Island block of China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) was held in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, on Sept 17.

The conference attracted over 90 businessmen from nearly 70 enterprises outside Zhoushan.

The block, a central business district in Zhoushan, covers the whole of Xiaogan Island in Putuo district. 

The block is an important component of the southern part of the Zhejiang FTZ and focuses on developing headquarters economy, shipping services, trade, conferences and exhibitions, among other industries, said officials.

Construction on six major buildings designed to boost headquarters economy is progressing smoothly. Among the buildings, the free trade financial center, with a total investment of 2.4 billion yuan ($338.61 million) and height of 219 meters, is intended to become the city's landmark.

Within six months of launching the FTZ, Zhoushan has built an investment promotion service center covering an area of more than 6,000 square meters and introduced over 270 enterprises with registered capital of 18 billion yuan. Seventy-eight companies are engaged in oil trade, and many have exceeded annual trade volume of 100 million yuan.

The city has signed a cooperation agreement with Zhongguancun Development Group to build a marine science and technology park in the FTZ and negotiated with Beijing Normal University and Beijing Foreign Studies University to develop educational projects.

According to local authorities, the block will improve its service capabilities and build a more attractive business environment by focusing on enterprise registration, business negotiation, talent introduction and tax incentives. 

In addition, over ten government departments, including the management committee of the FTZ, will set up shop in the Xiaogan Island block to provide legal and policy support for enterprises.