SHANGHAI: China on Monday hailed the first anniversary of its first free-trade zone (FTZ), but foreign companies expressed disappointment over the pace of pledged reforms as they await real business opportunities.

The FTZ was set up in China’s commercial hub Shanghai with the promise of a range of financial reforms, including full convertibility of the yuan currency and freer interest rates — both of which remain unfulfilled.

But just two weeks ago authorities shook up the zone’s management, removing Communist Party chief and executive deputy director Dai Haibo without giving a reason, after media reports he was facing allegations of corruption. In recent days, a flurry of activity has surrounded the zone.

Earlier in September, China launched a gold market in the FTZ and Premier Li Keqiang gave his stamp of approval during a visit.

And on Monday Microsoft launched its Xbox One in China — made possible by a new policy for the FTZ.

“The results of the reforms in the pilot FTZ in the first year are better than expected,” Shanghai’s Communist Party chief Han Zheng told state media in a lengthy interview carried by major newspapers Monday.

“It’s a major step to further promote reform and opening-up under the new scenario. “On Sunday, China’s cabinet approved further opening to 27 sectors, plans for which had been announced by Shanghai in July.

The policies include allowing foreign investors to set up wholly owned companies to design yachts and manufacture aviation engine components. They would also be allowed to process green tea through joint ventures with Chinese partners.

Foreign company executives say privately they are disappointed, while publicly many say they are still waiting to see what opportunities might arise.

“It’s (the FTZ) part of the ecosystem to encourage new things, out-of-box thinking, which nowhere else has. So we’re still watching,” said Frank Jiang, head of R&D in Asia-Pacific for French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi.

Published in Dawn, September 30th , 2014