The 11 pilot free trade zones in China have implemented a new negative list for the entry of foreign investment from July 10.

Compared with the previous version, the new negative list is 10 items and 27 measures shorter. The new negative list further lifts controls on foreign investors in China, improves the openness, transparency and predictability of the procedure of foreign investment. It demonstrates the FTZs' activeness in opening up and optimization of their services.

China founded its first pilot FTZ in Shanghai in 2013, which is also the first to carry out the negative-list model in its administration of foreign investment.

A "negative list" approach identifies sectors and businesses that are off-limits or restricted for foreign investment.