THE Guangzhou Free-Trade Zone is seeking the central Government's approval for futures operations in the bonded area.
Liu Wenzhe, director of the Administrative Committee of the Guangzhou Free-Trade Zone, said four firms, including two from Hong Kong and one from Thailand, intended to establish futures businesses in the zone.
Mr Liu said the central Government had recently stepped up controls of the futures market's development, but that did not mean operations would be cut.
He said the Guangzhou Free-Trade Zone was well positioned to accommodate futures operations, particularly due to its proximity to Hong Kong.
The 1.4-square-kilometre zone is one of 12 free-trade zones in China. More than 170 enterprises have been approved to establish operations in the area, involving a total investment of US$338 million.
Officials of the Guangzhou zone are part of the delegation for the current Guangzhou trade fair in Hong Kong.
