Zhang Lan, a member of the Fujian Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has proposed some suggestions on accelerating construction of a free trade zone in Pingtan.

The proposals, delivered at an annual session of the 12th Fujian People’s Congress, convened on Jan 28, were jointly made by more than 20 China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) members after a thorough investigation lasting four months.

During their inspection of Pingtan, the CAPD members found the Pingtan FTZ lagged behind in its functional orientation, human environment, working mechanisms as well as laws and regulations, and therefore came up with suggestions on improving the situation.

Pingtan should take advantage of its proximity to Taiwan and give priority to tourism and port trades, and strive to become a “Common Homeland” for people across the Taiwan Straits, said Zhang.

“Professionals are the most important factor in a regional economy. We will endeavor to attract more overseas professionals, especially Taiwanese people, to Pingtan, and make cross-Straits travel more free,” she said.

In addition, the Pingtan FTZ should enhance its international atmosphere by setting up more schools and hospitals in accordance with international standards.

Talking about some of the pressing matters for Pingtan FTZ, Zhang Lan noted that local authorities must study and release laws and regulations pertaining to the FTZ’s construction, which will guarantee implementation of various tasks.