Within seconds of entering the Shanghai free-trade zone, an area hyped as the launch pad for the next big wave of Chinese economic reforms, a gaggle of touts surrounds and hounds visitors.
“Do you want to register a company? We can help you,” shouts one. “We are qualified accountants,” barks another. “We can give you legal assistance,” a third chimes in.
The FTZ, created in September, is busy on one front – with the registration of companies. Thousands of companies have registered in the 28 sq km zone. International banks such as HSBC and Bank of East Asia have established branches there, and new Chinese ventures from Microsoft to MetLife are coming.