Top nine major work priorities for 2017

6. Actively expanding China's opening up to the world

China will make major efforts to pursue the Belt and Road Initiative, ensure that foreign trade continues to pick up and register steady growth. The government will also make big moves to improve the environment for foreign investors and promote the liberalization and facilitation of international trade and investment.

According to the report, China will build 11 high-standard pilot free trade zones, and widely spread practices developed in these zones that are proven to work.

Cyclists ride next to a sign of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in Shanghai. [Photo/Agencies]