The Manzhouli Port in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region lies on the border of China and Russia. [Photo/VCG]

China has expanded the number of pilot free trade zones (FTZ) in its network to 23 with the inclusion of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, following the release of the Overall Plan for the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone by the State Council on April 9.

The plan grants the Inner Mongolia FTZ greater autonomy in reform, encouraging pioneering and differentiated exploration across broader fields and at deeper levels.

It outlines 19 measures aiming at advancing institutional innovation. They include developing border trade models, strengthening international logistics services, improving the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements, and expanding international exchanges across multiple sectors.