China to Cultivate National Industrial Parks Specializing in Processing Trade

The General Office of the Ministry of Commerce recently issued a circular on the application and recognition of national industrial parks specializing in processing trade.

In the circular, the ministry encouraged the relocation of processing businesses to the central, western and northeast regions. The circular also pledged support to these regions in participating in the international economic circulation as a way to boost regional development.

The application mainly targets businesses in China’s central and western regions, and should be filed by local governments at the municipal level. An industrial park is allowed to have no more than three campuses, and the total planning area should be less than 60 square kilometers, according to the circular.

Regions filing the application need to have at least one competitive industry to drive the agglomeration and development of local industries. They need to have the potential to develop the processing trade industry. Also, they should pair up with the eastern region and undertake the relocation of advanced international manufacturing industries.