Guangxi FTZ pioneers innovation and economic growth

The China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has positioned itself as a leader in economic reform and development, making significant achievements that underscore its role as a vital part of China's broader economic strategy.

It has become a hub for institutional innovation, economic development, and international cooperation, particularly with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Over the past six years, the Guangxi FTZ has attracted 127,000 enterprises, a staggering 34-fold increase from its inception. This growth has been accompanied by a substantial rise in foreign trade, with the FTZ handling transactions worth 1.6 trillion yuan ($226 billion), representing 40.1 percent of the region's total trade. Furthermore, the zone has utilized foreign capital amounting to $3.34 billion, accounting for 41.8 percent of the regional total.

The FTZ has been at the forefront of pioneering initiatives, such as the QFLP fund model, which has been successfully replicated across the region, providing new momentum for Guangxi's open economy. In 2025, the FTZ introduced a data exit negative list for border provinces, leading to 45 new institutional innovations being adopted regionally, with several gaining national promotion.

The FTZ's focus on ASEAN cooperation has led to the establishment of the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Collaborative Innovation Center and other international partnerships, enhancing its role as a hub for cross-border trade and investment. The zone also launched the first Vietnamese Dong cash transfer center and maintained its position as a leader in cross-border renminbi settlement.

Infrastructure and logistics have seen significant advancements, including the integration of sea-rail intermodal transport and innovative customs supervision models, significantly improving port efficiency and trade flow.