Meanwhile, the Shanghai Free Trade Zone has set an economic trend, which is emulated by many other regions in China. CGTN's Yang Chengxi has more.  

The Shanghai Free Trade Zone has been one of China's most ambitious projects to connect with the world.

YANG CHENGXI SHANGHAI "It aims to integrate with the global trade and economic system on a much deeper level and larger scale and this is part of what that ambition looks like."

This is Yangshan Port. In 2017, over 40 million containers passed through here, and experts say things can improve even more. Last year marked the opening of phase four, a highly automated new section of the port, where handling efficiency has increased 50 percent. Going hand in hand with trade is investment, and the zone has been taking big steps in this regard. US electric car maker Tesla has announced that it will open its first overseas factory in Shanghai. Unlike other foreign brands in China, this factory will be wholly-owned by the company.

YANG CHENGXI SHANGHAI "It's part of the free trade zone's bold policies to support businesses. In fact, applying to set up companies in Shanghai is now more convenient than ever at this service center."

JIANG HONGJUN, DIRECTOR SHANGHAI FREE TRADE ZONE BUSINESS SERVICE CENTER "We have streamlined our services since 2016. Businesses can apply for various approvals and consultations at our general counters. They don't have to run back and forth between different departments any more. Also, over half of our services can now be done over our internet portal."

And businesses need workers. Many here prefer international talent. Lathika Chandra Mouli graduated from New York University's Shanghai campus last year. She found a job in the city and later furnished a work permit, which wasn't easy before the zone launched its Talent Visa project in 2016.

LATHIKA CHANDRA MOULI, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ENERGO LABS "Starting my professional growth here is very successful stuff. Shanghai is a very innovative city. There is a lot of research happening here, and there are some startups, and new technology every day. For someone who is involved in engineering, it is very exciting to be in Shanghai."

YANG CHENGXI SHANGHAI "Five years into the establishment of the Free Trade Zone, there are a lot more examples of openness on all fronts. Nine of the world's top ten asset management finance firms have set up their shops in Shanghai's Lujiazui district right behind me, but the list goes on. City officials have big ambitions for the zone's future, and this is just the beginning. Yang Chengxi, CGTN, SHANGHAI."