.

Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Cong Liang, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission

Sun Yuning, vice minister of the General Administration of Customs of China

Xu Jing, director of the Department of Strategy and Planning of the Ministry of Science and Technology

Wang Xin, director of the Research Bureau of the People's Bank of China

Chen Yin, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shanghai Municipal Committee, and executive vice mayor of Shanghai

Weng Zuliang, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, and secretary of the CPC Pudong New Area Committee

Chairperson:

Chen Wenjun, head of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

July 20, 2021

Chen Wenjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Recently, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council jointly issued a guideline to support the high-level reform and opening-up of the Pudong New Area in Shanghai and build Pudong into a pioneer area for socialist modernization. This is a major decision made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. To help you have a more in-depth and accurate understanding of this document, today we have invited Mr. Cong Liang, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC); Mr. Sun Yuning, vice minister of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC); Mr. Xu Jing, director of the Department of Strategy and Planning of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Mr. Wang Xin, director of the Research Bureau of the People's Bank of China (PBC); Mr. Chen Yin, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, and executive vice mayor of Shanghai; and Mr. Weng Zuliang, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, and secretary of the CPC Pudong New Area Committee. They will introduce the relevant information regarding the guideline and take your questions. Next, I will give the floor to Mr. Cong.

Cong Liang:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning. Shanghai plays a very important role in the overall work of the Party and the country. The development and opening-up of Pudong opened a new chapter for deepening China's reform and opening-up. On Nov. 12, 2020, General Secretary Xi Jinping called for new missions for Pudong in China's reform and opening-up at a grand gathering to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the development and opening-up of Pudong. He said that efforts should go into making Pudong a pioneer of reform and opening-up at a higher level, a vanguard in fully building a modern socialist country, and an example that highlights the Chinese people's confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. This is a major decision made by the CPC Central Committee based on a comprehensive analysis of the specific features of our times, realistic requirements, and the dynamics of the domestic and international environments. Recently, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council jointly issued a guideline to support the high-level reform and opening-up of Pudong and build Pudong into a pioneer area for socialist modernization. Next, I will give a brief introduction regarding the guideline.

The guideline fully implements the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech and draws up an ambitious blueprint for building Pudong into a pioneer area for socialist modernization. In general, the guideline highlights the following three points. First, supporting Pudong in acting as a pioneer and a vanguard on a new journey toward socialist modernization in order to implement the national rejuvenation strategy within the wider context of the once-in-a-century changes taking place in the world. Second, supporting Pudong in acting as a central node of the domestic circulation and a strategic link of China's new development paradigm of "dual circulation," and helping it play a better role in leading and stimulating the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta in order to foster a new development paradigm with domestic circulation as the mainstay and domestic and international circulations reinforcing each other. Third, to further promote reform and opening-up in the new era, the guideline supports Pudong in taking up the heaviest burdens and tackling the hardest tasks, setting an example of high-level reform and opening-up, as well as demonstrating China's commitment and confidence in deepening reform and opening wider to the world.

Based on these three points, the guideline gives five strategic positions to Pudong, sets two-stage development goals, and introduces 21 major tasks and measures in seven aspects.

The five strategic positions include becoming a pioneer in promoting higher-level reform and opening-up, a benchmark for innovation-driven development, a leader in the allocation of global resources, a pacesetter of boosting domestic demand, and a model of modern urban governance.

The two-stage development goals are as follows. By 2035, Pudong will see its modernized economy comprehensively established, modern urban districts built, and modernized governance fully realized. Its urban development level and international competitiveness will be at the forefront globally. By 2050, Pudong is expected to become an important urban area which will be highly attractive, creative, competitive and influential globally, a global model of urban governance and a "shining pearl" of a great modern socialist country.

There are seven measures which are as follows. First, we will make every effort to strengthen the engine of innovation. We will speed up the research and development of key technologies, build world-class innovative industrial clusters, deepen the systemic reform of scientific and technological innovation, and lend impetus to indigenous innovation-driven development in order to target global frontiers of science and technology, serve the main economic battlefield, strive to fulfill the significant needs of the country and benefit people's lives and health. Second, we will improve the reform of systems integration. By introducing a range of measures aimed at basic and leading reform efforts, we will innovate government service management, strengthen the basic position of competition policy, improve the integrated operation mechanism of factor markets, and activate new momentum for high-quality development. Third, we will promote high-level institutional opening-up. We will advance the pilot trials of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone and its Lingang Special Area, build Shanghai into an international shipping hub, establish the "express" system of bringing in global high-end talent, and create an integrated special economic function zone in Pudong, so as to consolidate our internationally cooperative and competitive edge. Fourth, we will enhance our allocation ability of resources on a global scale. When promoting the development of the Belt and Road Initiative through joint efforts, we will further open up the financial sector, set up primary investment and financing platforms at home and abroad, improve financial infrastructure and systems, and be active in the allocation of resources such as capital, information, technology, and talent around the globe, helping foster a new pattern of development. Fifth, we will boost urban governance modernization. We will initiate a new stage in urban construction for the people through innovating and improving the urban governance system. This will create an urban landscape that is suitable for the times. It will feature a harmonious and beautiful environment, and enhance the life quality of our citizens. Sixth, we will make use of the advantages that come with our great domestic market to improve the quality and scale of its demands. We will cultivate and popularize Shanghai's brands of services, manufacturing, shopping, culture and tourism, in order to not only meet new demands, but also generate new demands with high-quality supply. Seventh, we will balance development and security imperatives. With the focus on finance, public health, and production safety, we will improve the risk control and management system to adapt to deepening reform and opening-up and forestall systemic risks.

The most important work now is how to achieve the goals in this completed blueprint. The National Development and Reform Commission will fully grasp and put into practice the guiding principles of the speech by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the ceremony marking the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and make great efforts to coordinate related departments and push forward the implementation of the various reform measures in the guidelines, in accordance with the CPC Central Committee and the State Council's policy decisions and plans and under the leadership of the leading group for promoting the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Cong. Now, let's give the floor to Mr. Chen.

Chen Yin:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good day to you all. Thank you for your attention to Shanghai's development, especially for the support and attention to the work of high-level reform and opening-up in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai. The CPC Central Committee gave the historical mission of building a pioneer area for socialist modernization to Pudong, Shanghai, which is a landmark during the city's development, giving full recognition to the successful practice of Pudong's development and opening-up in the past three decades and also showing the expectations for Shanghai achieving new miracles in the new era. Yesterday, at the meeting organized by the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and the Shanghai government, Li Qiang, Shanghai's Party chief, said that principles of the speeches by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the ceremony marking the CPC centenary and at the grand gathering to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the development and opening-up of Shanghai's Pudong must be implemented, as well as the guidelines of building a pioneer area for socialist modernization. The city sends a strong message of high-level reform and opening-up, and will make great efforts to achieve new miracles and build a new image. On the new journey, we will always be at the forefront of reform and development and be a great pioneer in accordance with the requirements of the CPC Central Committee.  

First, a holistic strategic design is needed. We will make a holistic strategic design in accordance with requirements by General Secretary Xi Jinping on Shanghai's work during the process of promoting high-level reform and opening-up of Pudong. The priority is to build economic zones with special functions in Pudong and promote the construction of a special customs supervision zone. Pudong will be built as an international financial, trade and shipping center, and a core area for international scientific and technological innovation. Moreover, Pudong will be supported in constructing an international consumption center and a model of modern urban governance that people enjoy living and working in. Meanwhile, we will improve the system of legal protections so that Pudong will be supported to find solutions through trials and breakthroughs when facing up to new challenges.

Second, we will strengthen the pioneering role of landmark projects, so as to make more breakthroughs as soon as possible and bring Pudong area and Shanghai to new heights of development. Firstly, we will promote the innovative development of the Chinese capital market through building of the trading platform for international financial assets. Several major pieces of financial infrastructure will be constructed including a national warehouse receipt registration center for bulk commodities traded on the exchange and a national large-scale warehouse for precious metals traded on the exchange. Secondly, we will build new highlands of independent innovation and further highlight the functions and role of the Zhangjiang Comprehensive National Scientific Center. National laboratories, world-class major science and technology clusters, an international data port and a data exchange will all be built. Thirdly, we will focus on key functional blocks, major transportation hubs and high-end leading industries, in order to create new highlights and hotspots. Lastly, we will promote major projects for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, such as a global shipping hub, a public health emergency management system and a capital market service base.

Third, we will work to make breakthroughs in system integration. In order to achieve the best level and meet the highest international standards, we will explore and reform system integration and collaboration efficiency, and coordinate finance, shipping, trade and technological innovation. Key blocks, such as Lujiazui Financial Zone, Zhangjiang Scientific Center and Lingang New Area, will be interconnected. We will actively allocate global capital, information, technology, talent and other resources, and expand the fast track of two-way connectivity between basic research, applied research and industrialization, so as to boost the engine of innovation.

Fourth, we will explore ways to achieve independent reform. According to the guideline, the central government has asked us to carry out both a comprehensive pilot reform and an institutional openness pilot. Regarding comprehensive reform, we will further coordinate economic, social and urban governance, formulate pilot schemes, introduce new special measures to further relax market access, and promote the pilot reform of "one permit for one industry" system. A pilot system for listing registration and confirmation will be explored. We will work to see our people are able to access more government services via a single website, and realize the "one network and co-governance" of urban management. In the respect of institutional opening-up, we will intensify risk and stress tests, and expand openness from the factor level to the system level. The Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone and Lingang New Zone will be the pioneers, and the Yangshan Special Comprehensive Bonded Zone will witness new breakthroughs in construction. In keeping with the goal of building Pudong into a pioneer area for socialist modernization and in line with the central government's general layout for Shanghai's development, we will further delegate power and energize development in Pudong, and transform institutional policies into powerful driving forces. We will strengthen coordination between reform, innovation and development. The high-level reform and opening-up in Pudong are expected to play a bigger role in leading and stimulating the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, as well as China's overall economic development. We will spare no efforts to fulfill all the tasks assigned by the central government. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Chen. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify your news outlets before asking questions.

CCTV:

The guideline listed measures to build Pudong into a pioneer area for socialist modernization. In what areas will Pudong play a leading role? Thank you.

Cong Liang:

Thanks for your question. Your question really touches on a key aspect of the guideline. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China steps into a new development stage of fully building a modern socialist country. In face of a complex and fast-changing situation, there are no precedents or prior experiences to follow. Therefore, advanced regions are needed to spearhead and become pioneers. The CPC Central Committee supports Pudong to become a pioneer for socialist modernization. In my opinion, its leading role will be reflected in the following four aspects:

First, it will lead in fostering the impetus for high-quality development. As the largest economic city in the country, Shanghai is positioned as international economic, financial, trade, shipping and technological innovation centers. Pudong will carry out the important function of helping Shanghai build itself into the "five centers". In order to fulfill the goal of becoming a pioneer area for socialist modernization, Pudong has to completely, accurately and comprehensively implement China's new development paradigm, and explore a creative path to transform philosophy into practice. In this way, Pudong will be able to foster a powerful momentum for regional development, and promote Shanghai to play a better role in leading the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, so as to improve the overall efficiency of China's economy.

Second, it is reflected in promoting the realization of a high level of self-reliance and self-strengthening and a smooth economic cycle. Core technologies controlled by others are our biggest hidden risk. The key core technologies cannot be requested, bought or begged, so we can only depend on being self-reliant. Pudong has unique advantages in planning and initiating scientific and technological innovations. It should play the role of being the "vanguard force" or "national team" for key core technologies, and work as a trailblazer and leader in technological innovation, aiming at scaling the heights of the forefront fields of brain science, quantum technology and other areas. This is especially so in terms of solving the problem of cutthroat competition in key areas such as high-end integrated circuit components and basic software and hardware. On the basis of eliminating these bottlenecks and clearing circulation blockages, Pudong will further play its role as a key node in the smooth economic circulation, provide an important channel for better use of domestic and international markets and resources, and create an important hub for the global industrial chain, supply chain and value chain.

Third, it is reflected in the provision of high-level institutional supply. China's reform has entered a "deep-water zone," and some deep-level systematic and mechanism barriers have not been eliminated. Pudong must keep a close eye on important areas and key links, continue to deepen reforms, explore and develop good experiences and practices, and consolidate them in the form of laws and regulations in a timely manner, to provide greater high-level institutional innovation. For example, in terms of establishing a new open economic system, the local government should study open policies and institutional arrangements with strong international market competitiveness, and support Pudong to achieve breakthroughs in the fields of human resources, technology, capital and cross-border data circulation. In terms of finance, it should support Pudong in developing offshore RMB transactions, cross-border trade settlement and overseas financing services, and explore and improve related institutional arrangements. In terms of shipping, the local government should support Pudong in strengthening close connections among river, sea, land, air and rail transportation, explore integrated management systems and mechanisms, and implement a pilot ship registration management system that is in line with international practices.

Fourth, it is reflected in better practicing the people-centered development philosophy. Pudong should take the lead in implementing the concept of "people's city built by the people and for the people"; construct a systematic, complete, scientific, standardized and effective urban governance system; build a harmonious and beautiful ecological environment; develop the city into a beautiful home where people and nature coexist harmoniously; and explore a development path for the megacity with Chinese characteristics which embodies the characteristics of the era and highlights the advantages of China's socialist system. It is necessary to continuously improve the level of balance and quality of public services, leave the best resources for the people, and continuously improve the people's senses of gain, happiness and security. Thank you.

CRNTT:

General Secretary Xi Jinping has called on Pudong to strive to become the central node of the domestic circulation and the strategic link between the international and domestic dual circulations. What considerations has Shanghai made to support Pudong in serving the country's establishment of a new development pattern? Thank you.

Chen Yin:

Thank you for your question. The important speech made by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the grand gathering celebrating the 30th anniversary of the development and opening-up of Pudong can be said to be a plan for Pudong's high-level reform and opening-up, and the instructions on what banner should be upheld and in which direction it should be oriented. The CPC Central Committee's recent guideline further clarified the way forward and strategic priorities. Shanghai will thoroughly implement the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the requirements of the CPC Central Committee's guideline, and support Pudong to accelerate building itself as a central node and then into a strategic link, to accumulate new experiences, explore new paths, and achieve new breakthroughs for serving the country in building a new development pattern.

First, we will focus on building the "two specials" (special economic function zone and special customs supervision area), and explore a new system to serve the building of the new development pattern. We will promote the creation of a special economic function zone across the whole district of Pudong, and make new breakthroughs in the reform of the market-based allocation of factors, the reform of the commercial system, and the deepening of the reform of "single industrywide permits." We will also make good use of the open carrier role of the Yangshan Special Comprehensive Bonded Zone to promote institutional innovations for trade and investment facilitation and liberalization. In addition, we will give full play to the radiation and leading role of the Yangtze River Delta, deepen cross-regional cooperation in key areas for the need of the country, for the relevance of the market and for the anticipation of the market, and explore more effective and win-win institutional supply.

Second, we will build "four core zones," which refers to the core zones of Shanghai as an international financial, trade, shipping and tech-innovation center, and enhance the new momentum to serve the building of the new development pattern. We will strengthen independent innovation capabilities and build a number of national innovation bases, functional industries and service innovation platforms in key areas such as integrated circuits, biomedicine, artificial intelligence and aerospace. We will also deepen financial opening-up and innovation, develop RMB offshore transactions, cross-border trade settlement and overseas financing services, and increase the two-way opening of the market. In addition, we will upgrade the energy level of trade services, and strengthen the alignment with high-standard international rules in the fields of investment access, service trade and digital trade. We will also accelerate the joint efforts of the Yangtze River Delta to build a global shipping hub, expand the shipping network with countries and regions along the Belt and Road, and build a core hub for the international shipping system.

Third, we will build "one center," namely an international consumption center, to add momentum for fostering a new pattern of development. We will support Pudong to lead in domestic consumption upgrades and prioritize the "debut of new products" economy and brand economy. We will build world-class commercial areas in Lujiazui, the Lingang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, and the Qiantan area of the World Expo Park as consumption clusters to guide and create new consumption demands with high-quality supply.

Fourth, we will build "one standard model," namely a standard model for urban governance toward better livability and working conditions. We will develop an urban governance system that is comprehensive, rational, rule-based, and effective. First, we will innovate the urban governance system, accelerate its digital transformation, and further promote the "one unified management network" to synergize economic, social and urban governance. Second, we will promote organic urban renewal through coordinated efforts, implement the strictest ecological environmental protection system and improve the ability to respond to major emergencies. Third, we will improve the pattern for developing people's well-being, preserve the city's distinctive culture, and create a standard model for urban governance toward better livability and working conditions in a bid to build a people's city.

The guideline also included instructions on establishing a legal system to support Pudong to make bold attempts and trials and carry out independent reforms. We will make full and good use of the local legislative rights granted to Shanghai by the central government, establish a working mechanism that is commensurate with the rights to legislate by reference to special economic zones, and introduce a list of creative legislation and a list of adapted legislation in certain areas to provide a solid legal guarantee for fostering a new pattern of development. Thank you.

ThePaper.cn:

The guideline uses many beautiful words to describe Pudong's future, including the vision to become a shining pearl of a great modern socialist country by 2050. I would like to ask Mr. Weng, how will Pudong New Area achieve this goal? Could you give us an idea of Pudong's future? Thank you.

Weng Zuliang:

Thank you for your questions. The guideline assigns Pudong the major task of building a leading area for socialist modernization and the grand goal of becoming a shining pearl of a great modern socialist country by 2050, fully embodying the expectations of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee for Pudong. Officials and people in Pudong are greatly encouraged and inspired.

On the new journey, Pudong will adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly study and implement the principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the grand gathering celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pudong's development and opening-up and his other important speeches and instructions about Shanghai, and unswervingly move forward along the three paths that General Secretary Xi Jinping has outlined for Pudong.

First, we will unswervingly free minds and deepen reform. We will comprehensively free minds in order to guide and promote in-depth reform breakthroughs. When making plans for reform breakthroughs, we will give more consideration to the whole development process of things, the entire chain of industrial development, and the full life cycle of enterprises. We will focus on strategic reforms, pioneering reforms, fundamental reforms, targeted reforms, and improvement-oriented reforms to stimulate market vitality and enhance governance efficiency.

Second, we will unswervingly expand opening-up to the world. We will pursue opening-up at a deeper level, in broader areas, and with greater intensity, and pay greater attention to institutional opening-up. We will give better play to the role of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone and its Lingang Special Area as "test fields," align ourselves with the highest international standards and levels, and step up stress test.

Third, we will unswervingly break free from conventions and pursue innovation and breakthroughs. We will strive to make major innovations in basic science and technology and major breakthroughs in key and core technologies. We will optimize the ecology for innovation and entrepreneurship, smooth the two-way fast lane linking basic research, applied research, and industrialization and build world-class industrial clusters.

The central government has outlined a beautiful vision for Pudong by 2050. In addition to becoming a shining pearl of a great modern socialist country, Pudding is also expected to become an important urban area with strong global appeal, creativity, competitiveness, and influence, and a global model for urban governance capability and efficiency. In my mind, Pudong in the future will become the best destination for global investment, trade, and entrepreneurship. Goods, technology, talents, data, and capital from all over the world will be efficiently allocated here, and new discoveries, inventions, start-ups, and products will constantly emerge. In the future, Pudong will also become the best example of a "people's city," where everyone has the opportunity to excel in life, and can participate in governance in an orderly manner, enjoy a high-quality life, feel the human touch and have a sense of identity and belonging. The people living in Pudong will feel a sense of gain, happiness, and security. Thank you.

Phoenix TV:

My question is for the General Administration of Customs (GAC). We know that currently, there are five special customs regulation zones in Pudong. After the release of the guideline, what measures will the GAC take to support the development of the special customs regulation zones in Pudong? Thank you. 

Sun Yuning:

Thank you for your questions. Since the 1990s, China has successively approved the establishment of five special customs regulation zones in the Pudong New Area, including Waigaoqiao bonded area, Waigaoqiao Port comprehensive bonded area and Yangshan special comprehensive bonded area. These special regions have played an important role in attracting foreign investment and advanced technologies, promoting innovative development and fostering new forms of foreign trade, and carrying out institutional innovation and stress tests. I have a set of data here. In 2020, the total imports and exports in the five special customs regulation zones reached 1.1 trillion yuan, accounting for 53% of the total in Pudong and 32% of the total in Shanghai, respectively, over the same period. From this data, we can see that these special regulation areas are of great significance for the high-level reform and opening-up of the Pudong New Area. The promulgation and implementation of the guideline have brought new historical opportunities and also put forward higher requirements for the development of the special customs regulation zones in the Pudong New Area. Next, the GAC will introduce specific measures to implement the guideline and increase support in the following three aspects:  

First, we will accelerate the institutional opening of the special customs regulation zones, support institutional innovation in Yangshan special comprehensive bonded area, and improve supporting measures and information systems. We will promote a series of innovative measures, including the direct release of goods at customs, with only enterprises outside the bonded area being required to make declarations, and completely canceling customs account books to unleash the dividends of reform. We will advance the policies of Yangshan special comprehensive bonded area in the other qualified special customs regulation zones in Pudong, facilitate the development of strategic emerging industries, and let qualified enterprises enjoy convenient customs clearance measures adopted in Yangshan special comprehensive bonded area.  

Second, we will support the development of advanced manufacturing sector in the special customs regulation zones. We will enhance policy assistance in fields like integrated circuits, biological medicine and civil aviation, take key technologies as a breakthrough point, support the innovative development of advanced manufacturing sector in Pudong, and build world-class industrial clusters.  

Third, we will realize the joint development of the special customs regulation zones. We will assist local governments in making full use of the policies in the special customs regulation zones, better carry out industrial planning and investment attracting and selecting, and encourage each zone to complement each other's advantages and seek differential and complementary development. We will support these special areas to perform the bonded display and trading function, and give play to the driving and spillover effects of the China International Import Expo (CIIE). We will assist Shanghai Futures Exchange in exploring the establishment of a national commodity warehouse receipt registration center, and in carrying out the bonded futures delivery of crude oil and fuel oil, and facilitate the cross-border flow and efficient allocation of all kinds of factors. I believe that the special customs regulation zones will play a bigger role in and make greater contributions to the high-level reform and opening-up of the Pudong New Area. Thank you.  

China News Service:  

The guideline put forward that the Pudong New Area will deepen the innovation of systems and mechanisms for science and technology, and build a new highland for independent innovation. What measures will the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) take to promote the implementation of the guideline? Thank you.  

Xu Jing:  

Thank you for your question. I'll answer it. The MST has fully implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and vigorously supported the Pudong New Area in becoming a model of the times for independent innovation and development to enhance its independent innovation capacity, increase its global influence. The MST will also speed up efforts to develop the Pudong New Area into a core area of the international science and technology innovation center of Shanghai. In general, we have measures in the following four aspects:  

First, we will support Zhangjiang National Innovative Demonstration Zone in playing its leading role and strengthen regional innovation capacity. We will focus on such fields as integrated circuits, life science, artificial intelligence, accelerate the establishment and operation of national laboratories, lead to foster national strategic sci-tech strength, and enhance the development of pilot incubation centers for applying scientific and technological achievements. We will work hard to develop national technological innovation hubs in the Yangtze Delta , build a number of engineering technology research centers and national clinical medicine research centers, and strengthen the development of Zhangjiang Comprehensive National Science Center based on major national sci-tech infrastructure and sci-tech innovation bases.  

Second, we will give full play to the leading role of Pudong New Area in the innovation-driven development of Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta. The Ministry of Science and Technology will support the Pudong New Area to head the building of the concerted mechanism for technological breakthroughss and innovators in the Yangtze River Delta to jointly achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in several strategic areas and to build and improve the mechanism for the science and technology innovation community in the Yangtze River Delta. We will step up efforts to have a clear division of work, make breakthroughs in key technologies, supply high-end products, and establish Chinese standards. Efforts will be made to support Pudong New Area to play a leading role in building a new generation of the national AI innovative development pilot zone, enhance its capacity to boost original AI innovation, and conduct new AI applications and experiments to energize the industries in the field of AI in a bid to reach a "highland" which features international influence in regard to AI. And we will keep supporting Pudong to host the World Artificial Intelligence Conference. 

Third, we will support the building of a high-level platform for international scientific and technological exchange. In the field of brain science, we will launch international big science research plans and take the lead in developing an effective model for organizing international big science research plans and projects. We will continue to support the Shanghai Pujiang Innovation Forum and World Laureates Forum.

Fourth, we will deepen sci-tech institutional reforms and support Pudong New Area to "move first and experiment first." We will support the national research and development institutions in Pudong to carry out Shanghai's policies for improving sci-tech systems and mechanisms. We will support new-type research and development institutions in Pudong New Area to conduct work under the management framework based on regulations, comprehensive budget management, and performance evaluation. We will support universities and scientific research institutions to establish professional technology transfer institutions. Pilot work will be carried out to confer the ownership or rights of long-term use of job-related scientific and technological achievements on scientific research, and grant Pudong greater autonomy in the management of foreign sci-tech professionals working in Shanghai.

Next, the Ministry of Science and Technology will implement the tasks stipulated in the guidelines and ramp up efforts to build Pudong New Area into an exemplary success in an era marked by independent innovation and development. Thanks for your questions.

Red Star News:

The guidelines stipulate that efforts on the research and development of core technologies should be stepped up in Pudong New Area, and a batch of national science and technology innovation bases will be built there accordingly. What are the major advantages of Pudong compared to other regions across the country? Thanks. 

Weng Zuliang: 

Thanks for your question. Pudong is the core area of the Shanghai international science and technology innovation center. With regards to the building of Zhangjiang Science City, we constantly improved the magnet effect of Zhangjiang Comprehensive National Science Center and its role in demonstrating the achievements of cutting-edge technology. Now Pudong is home to 10 big scientific research facilities (some are under construction), 249 foreign-invested research and development centers, and 717 research and development institutions affiliated with companies. The guidelines stipulate that Pudong should strengthen basic research and applied basic research, better equip itself to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies, and build a number of national sci-tech innovation bases. This demonstrates the country's support for Pudong and trust in Pudong as a whole. We will spare no effort to guarantee success in these areas and put the bases to use as soon as possible.  

To build Pudong into a highland for independent innovation, we will gather strategic sci-tech driving forces, focus on optimizing the atmosphere for innovation and entrepreneurship, and promote the integration of basic research, applied research, and industrial development. The focus will be on improving four systems to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship, which we believe also draws on Pudong's advantages in the following areas.

First, it's a whole-of-the-life-cycle system for innovation incubation. Pudong has established an incubation chain encompassing the seedbed, incubator, and accelerator. It houses more than 170 accredited incubators. Leading companies have set up the Open Innovation Center to better leverage their advantages of resources within the company and of global innovation networks to foster small and medium-sized sci-tech companies with joint efforts and achieve collaborative innovation among companies.

Second, it has a public sci-tech service system that covers all links. Revolving around the innovation chain, we made plans to develop the area's service chain. Pudong has already built over 200 platforms for sci-tech public services, involving services for research, measurement, testing, and certification of scientific and technological achievements, reducing the cost of innovation.

Third, it has a comprehensive intellectual property rights (IPR) protection system. The first Chinese mainland intellectual property bureau, dealing with all legal issues concerning patents, brands, copyright, and geographical indication opened in Pudong New Area. Pudong is also home to the first IP court in the free trade zone, which unifies the adjudication of civil cases, administrative cases, and criminal cases with regard to IPR. Platforms such as the China (Pudong) IPR Protection Center and Copyright Service Center of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone were set up to provide companies with quick examination, proper determination, and correct protection. Next, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, we will build a high-level IPR protection system and implement a stricter system on punitive damages involving IPR infringement cases.

Fourth, it has a financing and investment system that covers all sectors regarding sci-tech development. By setting up a fund of funds for sci-tech innovation, granting credit enhancement funds to small and micro-sized companies and piloting the program for securitization of IPR, Pudong has taken multiple approaches to address the difficulties faced by startups in accessing financing. The Yangtze River Delta Capital Service Base was also established in Pudong New Area, which helps startups go listed on the START market by providing professional training and services. We have taken solid steps to improve systems and measures, to help Pudong grow into a magnet for sci-tech innovation. Thanks. 

Beijing Youth Daily:

"Born for and thriving on China's reform and opening-up" has always been Pudong's motto. In June 2005, the State Council designated Pudong as a pilot area in its national comprehensive reform strategy. In September 2013, the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), the country's first FTZ, was officially unveiled in Pudong. In the process of building Pudong into a pioneer area for socialist modernization, what new standards and requirements have been selected for the reform and opening-up? Thank you.

Cong Liang:

Thank you for your question. Reform and opening-up is a significant feature of contemporary China. Over more than 30 years, Pudong has been at?the forefront?of China's reform and opening-up, creating many "national firsts": the first finance and trade zone, first bonded area, first pilot free trade zone, new Linggang area and so on. The development of Pudong has provided the most vivid portrayal of China's reform and opening-up and the course of socialist modernization. As we have entered the new stage of development, reform and opening-up stands at a new historical juncture with more arduous tasks and more severe challenges. It requires us to be more courageous and take more measures to remove barriers on the path to development, in a bid to strengthen the momentum and vigor for development. The high-level reform and opening-up of Pudong New Area supported by the CPC Central Committee requires Pudong to remain a pioneer in China's new reform drive, be sensitive to changes, respond to them with well-judged actions, be ready to adjust the approach when necessary, so as to enrich China's reform and opening-up in practice and further deepen reform and expand opening-up on a higher level. 

Regarding the aspect of reform, we will focus on reinforcing system integration and synergistic efficiency. Pudong will take the lead and provide experience for the rest of the country. We will design the reform measures based on the overall processes of the development of things, the whole chains of industrial development and the lifecycle of the development of enterprises, enhance consistency among multiple reform measures, and amplify the comprehensive effects of reform.

Regarding the aspect of opening-up, we will focus on making new ground in pursuing opening-up on all fronts, employ the highest standards, and expand openness from the factor level to the system level of rules, regulations, managements and standards, so as to provide high-level systems, high-quality products and high-efficiency funds, and take a lead in establishing a new system for an open economy that is compatible with international rules.

In a bid to achieve these goals, General Secretary Xi Jinping has made clear requirements for the central and state organs to make concrete plans in support of the high-level reform and opening-up in Pudong. Regarding the aspect of deepening reform, the guideline calls for a range of fundamental measures aimed at leading reform efforts. It also urges innovation in the methods of government services, easing of market access, deepening the reform of "one integrated license," and giving Pudong greater power in compiling resources. According to the guideline, we should explore a new management mode for the total area of construction land, in combination with the territorial spatial planning. In terms of the use of energy, we should carry out an energy consumption intensity-oriented system with moderate flexibility in total energy consumption. Regarding high-level opening-up, the guideline says that we should build a special economic function zone covering the whole of Pudong New Area, strengthen stress tests for the open economy, accelerate the construction of special customs supervision zones, upgrade regulatory and monitoring arrangements, and allow qualified enterprises to enjoy the preferential custom policies such as those of Yangshan Special Comprehensive Bonded Area. We should also provide support in the fields of tax arrangements, cross-border services, high-end talent introduction, financial opening-up and so on. At the same time, the guideline requires us to improve the system of legal protections so that Pudong will be supported to find solutions through trials and breakthroughs when facing up to new challenges. At the 29th session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which concluded on June 10, the committee adopted a decision authorizing Shanghai Municipal People's Congress and its standing committee to formulate regulations concerning the Pudong New Area based on the practical needs for reform and innovation in Pudong. Such regulations must abide by the Constitution, as well as the basic principles of the laws and the administrative regulations.

It should be emphasized that, instead of making Pudong a "land of preferential policies," the government's supportive measures will give Pudong greater say in reform and development and help build it into a powerful "propeller" for high-level reform and development. Thank you.

Yicai:

Shanghai is becoming an open center for RMB asset allocation. What new measures will the PBC take to promote the two-way opening of financial markets and two-way cross-border RMB capital flow? What role will Shanghai play in this process? Thank you.

Wang Xin:

Thank you for your questions. In recent years, China has continuously promoted the opening of its financial sector in a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized manner. This is reflected in several recent aspects. First, we have been promoting high-level opening up for bond markets, stock markets, foreign exchange markets, commodity futures markets, and financial derivatives markets. Second, we have been lifting restrictions on the proportion of foreign shares held in banks, securities, funds, futures, and personal insurance. Third, we have been easing access restrictions in areas such as corporate credit investigation, rating, and payment.

With the development of the financial market, China's bonds and stocks have been included in many international mainstream indexes such as MSCI, Bloomberg, JPMorgan Chase & Co, and FTSE Russell. An increasing number of foreign investors have a growing willingness to hold more RMB financial assets. We have continuously expanded cross-border investment and financing channels, improved relevant institutional arrangements, and provided convenience for overseas investment to flow into the market, forming a multi-channel and two-way open framework featuring direct market entry and interconnection mechanism. Shanghai is gradually improving its functions as a global center for RMB assets allocation, pricing, and risk management.

As global demands for RMB assets increase steadily, there will be more calls to improve risk management, the legal environment, and talent supply for handling RMB assets. Shanghai will become a hub for RMB asset allocation, risk management, and fintech development, a model city for best-in-class business environment and a preferred destination for financial professionals with enhanced competitiveness as an international financial center.

For the next step, the PBC will continue to support Shanghai's international financial center initiative. It will also support Shanghai in further improving systems of the financial market, products, institutions, and financial infrastructure, and in strengthening its role in global financial resource allocation. Meanwhile, it will support Shanghai to take the lead in the free exchange of RMB. Upholding three principles of conducting business and preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and tax evasion, we will further facilitate the corporate trade and investment funds to flow in and out, explore the free flow and convertibility of capital in the Lingang New Area of Shanghai Pilot FTZ. In these ways, we will contribute to building Shanghai into an important hub and bridge linking the international and domestic markets under the new development paradigm.

Macao Monthly:

How will Shanghai Pudong New Area attract top global talents in the process of keeping abreast of global science and technology development, meeting major national needs in the economic battlefield, safeguarding people's lives and health, strengthening the transformation of scientific and technological achievements into actual productivity, improving the industrial chain, and building a world-class scientific and technological innovation industrial cluster? Thank you.

Weng Zuliang:

I will answer this question. Thank you for your question. We all know that talents are the primary resource. The total number of talents in Pudong has reached 1.55 million. To complete the major tasks assigned by the central government to build the pioneer area, it is necessary to further gather global talents. Pudong will grow into a pacesetter for attracting talents from around the world.

In recent years, Pudong has established China's first overseas talent bureau and an international talent hub integrating functions for providing talent services and allocating human resources. It has taken the lead in issuing a series of innovative policies to improve the flow of overseas talents and the convenience of work. For example, we took the lead in achieving "services to be accessed via one website" for overseas talents to work in China. We issued China's first permanent resident identity card linked to a pilot free trade zone, the first work permit for foreign students with a bachelor's degree, the first batch of work permits for foreign entrepreneurs, and the first batch of business licenses for technological companies established by high-level foreign talents holding the permanent resident identity card.

In General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the grand gathering to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the development and opening-up of Shanghai's Pudong, he described how Pudong should take the lead in implementing more open policies for facilitating the attraction of talent. Pudong, in accordance with the requirements of the general secretary and with the support of relevant national and municipal departments, continues to strengthen opening-up and innovation of talent policies. It is also piloting the launch of policies for foreign talents to conveniently purchase foreign currency with their salary and special medical insurance policies for foreign talents. We also set up pilot areas to carry out national immigration policies and implemented immediate approval of work permits for high-level foreign talents.

Looking forward, we will work to carry out reform concerning the mutual recognition of the foreign talents' certificate, establish a one-stop referral system for foreign talents' permanent residence in the Pudong New Area, and push for the right of review on high-end foreign talents. We will also gradually relax restrictions on the employment of foreign talents in professional sectors and introduce a list system recognizing international vocational qualifications. In the meantime, we are working for a better environment concerning career development and living conditions of talents so that talents around the world are able to be introduced, stay, and develop in Pudong and give full play to their talents here. Thank you.

Cover News:

According to the guideline, Pudong will expand openness from the factor level to the system level and take the lead in establishing an open economic system that is compatible with prevailing international rules. A special economic function zone will be built in Pudong, and risk tests on the open economy in the area will be intensified. What are the considerations behind this target? Regarding expanding openness from the factor level to the system level, what are the specific plans and how will these plans be carried out? What messages does it send concerning intensifying risk tests on the open economy? Thank you.

Chen Ying:

Thank you for your questions. Back in 2010, Comrade Xi Jinping paid a visit to Pudong and put forward three requirements concerning the area's development principles. He stressed that Pudong's development is significant due to its exemplary role and functions, its courage in pilot trials, and its functions as a pacesetter. These three requirements are further reflected in the CPC Central Committee and the State Council's guideline, which supports building Pudong into a pioneer area for socialist modernization. The guideline stipulates that a special economic function zone will be built in Pudong, which demonstrates the necessity of carrying out opening-up policies and systems that are highly competitive in the global market. All of these provide new opportunities for Pudong's development and grant it new historic missions. This is reflected in the following three aspects:

First, more advanced pilot trials will be carried out in Pudong in a bid to showcase its full opening-up. The guideline stipulates that Pudong will pilot system-related opening-up measures. While further expanding openness in the fields of investment and trade, the area will also work to enhance its cooperative capacity domestically to better contribute to the national development strategy. We will highlight the internal driving force of market entities, give full play to the platform function of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, its new Lingang area, and Yangshan Special Comprehensive Bonded Area. More institutional innovations will be introduced to meet the needs of enterprises and encourage more market entities to develop their internal driving force. We will also double the efforts to prevent systemic risks. As we usually say, openness is only possible under sound management. We will think about worst-case scenarios, coordinate relations between development and security, and establish a risk-control system concerning financial risks, public health emergency response, urban security, and safe production so as to better cope with a higher-level reform and opening-up.

Second, more advanced industrial functions will be developed in Pudong. By building a special economic function zone, the area's industrial capacity will be further expanded. We will focus on developing world-level industrial clusters in the fields of integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and biomedicine so as to promote breakthroughs in key lines and core technologies. We will proactively study and practice new topics concerning international economic and trading rules, such as digital currency, building institutional strength and competitiveness concerning industrial development, and accelerating our pace in establishing an open industrial system that matches its positioning of a special economic function zone, so as to better participate in the global market on behalf of the country.

Third, a stronger exemplary role of Pudong will be given full play. To build a special economic function zone in the area, the key is to enhance the capacity of leveraging global resources. Looking forward, we will work to seek greater synergy among core fields such as finance, shipping, trade, and sci-tech innovation. We will build Pudong into a central pivot of domestic economic circulation and also a strategic link between domestic and international circulation. By doing so, we will better integrate Pudong's higher-level reform and opening-up into major national strategies such as the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and Hongqiao international open hub to give full play to Pudong's leading role in the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you to all the speakers and friends from the media. Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Zhang Liying, Wang Qian, Wang Yanfang, Zhou Jing, Lin Liyao, Zhang Junmian, Zhang Rui, Wang Wei, Yuan Fang, Yan Xiaoqing, Xu Xiaoxuan, Yang Xi, Wang Yiming, Zhu Bochen, Li Huiru, Qin Qi, Wang Yanfang, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Tom Arnstein. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.