The management committee of the Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area signed a cooperative agreement with the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Group, in Shanghai, on July 17, to increase cooperation and development between the Nantong Free Trade Zone and the group, NETDA authorities have reported.

The agreement calls for Shanghai Waigaoqiao to help the area attract investment with management and brand experience and marketing solutions and for the area to introduce industries to the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone using its location and experience in working with government and enterprises. Both parties will establish a liaison team to nail down the details.

The Nantong Free Trade Zone is the only free trade zone in the central part of Jiangsu province, established on January 3, 2013, with State Council approval, with a planning area of 5.29 square kilometers. The Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, established in June 1990, with State Council authorization, is China's first and biggest free trade zone and an important part of the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Pilot Area.

Edited by Zhao Qian and Roger Bradshaw