Economic and technical development zones have played an important role in China's growth. That's according to the country's commerce ministry, which says it will continue to tap into their potential. CGTN's Victor Ning has more.

Authorities say China now has 219 national-level economic and technological development zones, and they have made great contributions to institutional reform and helped to grow manufacturing and other industries.

WANG SHOUWEN CHINESE VICE MINISTER OF COMMERCE "The economic performance has been strengthened. R&D capabilities have been enhanced with an innovation-based system. The business environment has been improved with institutional reforms."

China says it will continue to open its market wider to the world, and the economic zones have welcomed high-quality foreign investments and supported them in gaining market access and financing.

WANG SHOUWEN CHINESE VICE MINISTER OF COMMERCE "We will encourage Hong Kong, Macao and foreign companies to invest and participate in the operations of international cooperation parks in these zones. We will launch preferential policies for border and cross-border economic cooperation zones. And for those foreign professionals who are urgently needed by the companies, we will relax their working-age limits."

Wang Shouwen said national-level economic zones have contributed about one-fifth of China's foreign investment, trade and value-added in industry. CGTN Victor Ning, CGTN.