On September 2, Beijing released the Plan for Development of a High-level Open Economy in Beijing During 15th Five-Year Plan Period.

The plan specifies that Beijing will continue to deepen the development of the National Integrated Demonstration Zone for Greater Openness in the Service Industry, improve the policy framework for the China (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade Zone, and proceed with the high-standard development of the permanent venue of the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). Also under the plan, ZGC Forum will continue deepening global sci-tech exchanges and cooperation, the Financial Street Forum will expand international financial cooperation, and the Beijing Culture Forum will further contribute to cultural exchanges and mutual learning.

Beijing will improve its service mechanism for key foreign-invested projects. By 2030, the city's cumulative number of recognized foreign-funded R&D centers is expected to rise from 332 (in 2025) to approximately 500, while the number of regional headquarters of multinational corporations will increase from 284 (in 2025) to around 300. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the amount of actually utilized foreign investment is targeted at about 35 billion US dollars.

The capital city will also explore establishing one-stop service centers for foreign nationals in areas with a high density of overseas residents, and advance improvements of facilitation services such as those for applications for visas and residence/stay permits. Additionally, the city will build cross-border/boundary data service centers, explore mechanisms for identifying and recognizing important data in key sectors, and further enhance facilitation services for digital trade.

(Source: Beijing Daily)