Beijing Houhai in spring. （PHOTO：VCG）

By ZHAO Boyuan

Chinese President Xi Jinping in his opening address at the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) declared support for Beijing Municipality in developing a national integrated demonstration zone for greater openness in the services sector, and setting up a pilot free trade zone (Two Zones) characterizing scientific and technological innovation, opening-up of the services sector, and digital economy.

In recent years, the construction of Two Zones has gained remarkable results. To date, 11,000 international experts' apartments, 23 international schools, 8 international hospitals, and 18 foreigner service stations have been constructed in the areas.

Beijing was the first city to propose the concept of an international experts community building in China. Eight different areas in Beijing have been arranged to promote a multi-cultural, innovative and livable community for this demographic.

In 2020, in order to build an innovation and entrepreneurship platform for international experts, Beijing Overseas Talents Association launched the "HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition." The winners can enjoy free incubation space, as well as many convenient services such as work and residence permits, housing and their children's schooling.

The exit-entry service for foreigners has also become more convenient. Since the construction of Two Zones, Beijing Bureau of Public Security has allowed foreigners to apply for their working and residence permit simultaneously, and has set up 17 reception sites in 12 key areas, including Daxing Economic Development Zone, Chaoyang CBD, and Zhongguancun, for foreigners to handle their visa applications. The newest policies related to Two Zones can be found at open.beijing.gov.cn. Beijing will continue to accelerate the construction of Two Zones, strive to build a world-class and favorable business environment, and create better conditions conducive to domestic and foreign companies developing their businesses in Beijing.