A decade on, China's free trade zones become pacesetters for further reform and opening-up

STORY: A decade on, China's free trade zones become pacesetters for further reform and opening-up DATELINE: Aug. 2, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:25 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Shanghai FTZ and views in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANNA VAN ACKER, Senior Vice President of MSD and President of MSD China 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): TANG HAO, Deputy director, Management committee, Lin-gang Special Area of Shanghai FTZ 4. various of the views in China 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): BELEN GARIJO, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck Group 6. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): BENOIT BAZIN, CEO, Saint-Gobain Group STORYLINE: In 2013, China set up its first pilot free trade zone (FTZ) in Shanghai, a testbed of new opening-up policies. After rounds of expansion, China now has 21 such zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port. They have played a crucial role in attracting foreign investment and stabilizing foreign trade. In 2022, the 21 FTZs saw exports and imports rise 14.5 percent year on year

(5)Japan approves support plan for U.S.-led strikes

(5)Japan approves support plan for U.S.-led strikes

SASEBO, Japan - Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSD) Aegis ship Kongou (L) and destroyer Sawagiri are berthed at MSD Sasebo Base on Nov. 16, 2001, as the government approved a basic plan for Japan's nonbombat support for U.S.-led war on terrorism.

Japan hosts int'l fleet review

Japan hosts int'l fleet review

Photo taken by a Kyodo News reporter aboard a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter shows vessels taking part in an international fleet review in Sagami Bay off Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo on Nov. 6, 2022, including the MSD destroyer Shiranui (L, front) and a Korean Navy vessel (L, back). Twelve countries took part in the international fleet review, being held in Japan for the first time since 2002.

Japan hosts int'l fleet review

Japan hosts int'l fleet review

Photo taken by a Kyodo News reporter aboard a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter shows vessels taking part in an international fleet review in Sagami Bay off Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo on Nov. 6, 2022, including the MSD destroyer Izumo (R) and a Korean Navy vessel (L, front). Twelve countries took part in the international fleet review, being held in Japan for the first time since 2002.

Japan hosts int'l fleet review

Japan hosts int'l fleet review

Photo taken by a Kyodo News reporter aboard a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter shows vessels taking part in an international fleet review in Sagami Bay off Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo on Nov. 6, 2022, including the MSD destroyer Izumo (front). Twelve countries took part in the international fleet review, being held in Japan for the first time since 2002.

Japan hosts int'l fleet review

Japan hosts int'l fleet review

Photo taken by a Kyodo News reporter aboard a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter shows vessels taking part in an international fleet review in Sagami Bay off Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo on Nov. 6, 2022, including the MSD destroyer Asahi (front). Twelve countries took part in the international fleet review, being held in Japan for the first time since 2002.

(5)Japan approves support plan for U.S.-led strikes

(5)Japan approves support plan for U.S.-led strikes

SASEBO, Japan - Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSD) Aegis ship Kongou (L) and destroyer Sawagiri are berthed at MSD Sasebo Base on Nov. 16, 2001, as the government approved a basic plan for Japan's nonbombat support for U.S.-led war on terrorism.