China has decided to set up export processing zones in a bid to step up its management of the processing trade.
A total of 15 cities, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province, have been designated as the first group of pilot cities to start up export processing zones, with the approval by the State Council, the country's highest governing body.
According to customs officials, the export processing zones will be special closed areas facilitated with 24-hour customs service and supervision. In addition to export processing businesses, related storage and transport companies will also be included in the zones.