Qingdao FTZ ensures strong economic start in 2025

To implement the spirit of the 20th Central Committee's Third Plenary Session and the Central Economic Work Conference, the Qingdao Free Trade Zone introduced the "Measures for Achieving a Strong Economic Start in 2025" on Jan 20. The policy aims to drive stable enterprise development and ensure a smooth economic start through 12 key measures.

The policy covers five key areas with a variety of supportive actions. In ensuring stable production and employment, it encourages industrial enterprises to have employees return to work during the Spring Festival (Jan 29 to Feb 12) by offering cooperating companies subsidies of up to 200,000 yuan ($27,515). It also supports the early resumption of construction sites, providing up to 100,000 yuan in subsidies for eligible projects. Additionally, companies hiring university graduates or unemployed youth and complying with social insurance requirements will receive a 1,500 yuan subsidy for each new hire.

For enterprises that maintain production during the Spring Festival, electricity subsidies of up to 100,000 yuan per company are available.

To propel key industries, the Qingdao FTZ has introduced several measures, including rewards of up to 500,000 yuan for eligible industrial enterprises, profit-making service industries, and transportation enterprises.

The policy also targets new business formats, offering rewards for industries such as ship inspection, cross-border e-commerce, and barter trade. It also supports market expansion through trade fair participation, with up to 40,000 yuan in assistance.

Safety remains a priority, with warehousing enterprises that meet safety production responsibilities receiving rewards for their safety personnel.

The Qingdao FTZ will continue to roll out fast-acting policies to support enterprises, raise policy awareness, and address operational challenges, with the goal of stabilizing expectations, boosting confidence, and promoting high-quality economic growth.