Dalian Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) in northeast China has emerged as the front-runner among Asia-Pacific's free zones at fDi's Free Zones Awards 2022 besides being ranked the second globally. A division of the Financial Times Group, fDi Intelligence specializes in ranking markets and international investment flows. DFTZ is the largest free trade zone in northern China. It houses small- and medium-sized enterprises. The judges spoke highly of DFTZ's achievements in attracting investment, technological development and regulatory flexibility.