Partner Richard Ferris was quoted in a Jiefang Daily (China) article on July 23, 2014, about Shanghai’s role in global trade and the international trade advancement prospects of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone. Ferris, who is co-chair of the U.S. Council for International Business China Committee, was quoted saying, “Shanghai must actively strengthen certain features in order to further confirm to the global business community that [Shanghai] is a promoter of free trade. The reforms being advanced via the Shanghai Free Trade Zone may be key [in confirming Shanghai’s free-trade role].”
Regarding Free Trade Zone administrative reforms, Ferris added, “The United States, as well as other foreign and Chinese companies, face burdensome administrative hurdles to approvals for doing business in Shanghai. Hence, the simplification of administrative approvals and processes can change the perception of doing business in the Zone, and [by association,] quickly shift perception of Shanghai as a preferred business location.”