The Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission released a plan on Oct 15, designating eight key areas: Hongqiao International Central Business District, Shanghai International Resort, Jing'an, Changning, Putuo, Qingpu, Jiading, and Jinshan, and five state-level economic and technological development zones: Minhang Economic and Technological Development Zone, Shanghai Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone, Jinqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone (non-FTZ area), Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, and Songjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone, as the second batch of linked innovation zones under the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

Hongqiao International Central Business District is one of the plan's key areas. [Photo/Wenhui Daily]

Last August, Shanghai launched the first batch of linked innovation zones, covering key areas in six districts and six comprehensive bonded zones (grouped as one zone). Over the past year, 119 reform measures have been implemented, and 109 items are progressing steadily.

Lujiazui Financial City is a part of Shanghai FTZ. [Photo/Jiefang Daily]

The newly released plan includes two lists. The list for replication and promotion contains 57 measures applicable across all zones, focusing on investment, trade, finance, and other areas — many customized to address enterprise demands. Under the new initiative, firms within these linked innovation zones are able to advance cross-border data flows.

The one for independent reforms includes 29 measures enabling each area to develop specialized industries based on their strengths.

For example, Jing'an district will focus on building an international consumption model zone; Changning district will prioritize the platform and digital economy; Putuo district will emphasize clustering production-oriented internet service platforms; Qingpu district will concentrate on big data, healthcare, and commerce; Jiading district will advance the intelligent connected new energy vehicle industry; and Jinshan district will develop advanced chemical materials.