Zhoushan and Hangzhou reach agreements to deepen bilateral cooperation and coordinate efforts to promote high-level openness on June 15. [Photo/WeChat account: china-zjftz]

Zhoushan and Hangzhou reached agreements on June 15 to deepen bilateral cooperation and coordinate efforts to promote high-level openness.

The two parties will conduct in-depth cooperation and exchange in the following seven aspects:

First, coordinated efforts will be made to support Hangzhou coordinated innovation zone in replicating and promoting the experience of China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone in Zhoushan, and jointly strive for the expansion of the FTZ.

Second, the two cities will strengthen bilateral cooperation in sectors such as information technology, high-end equipment manufacturing, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital trade, and oil and gas. 

Third, Zhoushan and Hangzhou will promote inter-regional talent cooperation. Zhoushan will be allowed to set up enclaves in Hangzhou to recruit skilled workers in service sectors such as finance and logistics. 

Fourth, efforts will be made to boost cooperation in cross-border e-commerce. The application of cross-border e-commerce platforms in Hangzhou, including the Alibaba international marketplace, will be further promoted in the FTZ. 

Fifth, the two will facilitate the intelligent transformation of cross-border e-commerce logistics. Efforts will be made to accelerate the application of technologies including blockchain and Internet of Things to strengthen inter-connectivity among ports, namely sea ports in Zhoushan and airports in Hangzhou. 

Sixth, customs clearance procedures between Zhoushan and Hangzhou will be further simplified. An information exchange mechanism will be in place to promote reform on the integrated development of customs clearance between the two cities. 

Seventh, the two cities will strengthen work communications. A regular communication and liaison mechanism will be established. Personnel from both sides will be exchanged for temporary training.

In late 2019, the Zhejiang provincial government approved the establishment of six innovation zones in Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Jiaxing, Jinhua, and Taizhou to coordinate with the Zhejiang FTZ. The coordinated innovation zones serve as an extension of the FTZ.