China to set up free trade zones with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
2011-06-20 13:07:03
China is planning to establish two free trade zones in regions bordering Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, Chinese ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Wan Kaiwan was quoted as saying by the Kyrgyz 24.kg news agency on Monday.
"The government of China is planning to open two free economic zones - in Kashgar and in Khorgos," Kaiwan said. "This is a big step, necessary to accelerate the socio-economic development of China's western regions."
The main aim of the move is to rectify imbalances in the development of China's western and eastern regions, the ambassador said.
The creation of free trade zones will help increase trade between China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, as well as economic cooperation between other states in the region, Kaiwan said.