The Qingdao Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: qingdaozimao]

Since its establishment on Aug 30, 2019, the Qingdao Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, also known as the Qingdao FTZ, has reaped fruitful results brought by its innovations regarding reform, opening up and industrial development.

One example of an innovation by the FTZ is the new supervision model for imported biological samples that are used in gene sequencing.

Normally, each import of biological samples must be approved, and the storage of these samples has strict time, temperature and humidity requirements, meaning that speedy customs clearance is needed. In light of this, the administration committee of the Qingdao FTZ worked with the customs to create a new model that allows companies to submit applications on an annual basis instead, and this has greatly enhanced the customs clearance process for the gene technology industry.

"Over the past four years, the Qingdao FTZ has created 285 innovative measures, 12 of which have been replicated and used across the country, while 52 have been replicated and used within Shandong province," said Sui Bin, deputy director of the FTZ's administration committee.

These innovative measures have in turn resulted in the formation of a comprehensive scientific and technological innovation system. As of the end of 2022, the FTZ was home to 134 high-tech companies, 160 technology SMEs, three national-level technical centers and one national "little giant" company.

"The FTZ has been aiming to consolidate the foundation of the advanced manufacturing industry and shape new advantages of green, low-carbon and digital empowerment. Presently, the FTZ has gathered over 150 projects from Global Fortune 500 companies, and is forming an advanced manufacturing cluster represented by smart home appliances and gene technology," said Wang Li, deputy director of the FTZ's administration committee.