Zhao Ji, chief of the Northeast Revitalization Institute and president of Dongbei University

First of all, the Liaoning FTZ can help the region build an advanced equipment manufacturing base, opening up the highlands and the international sea-railway transport hub. The second is FTZ is conducive to the reform of local government. Through the institutional innovation of investment, trade, industry, finance, taxation and supervision, Liaoning may set up a market-oriented system. Finally, FTZ may help the manufacturing and investment cooperation between China and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.

Sergey Y.Paltov, Russia Consulate General in Shenyang

The opening ceremony of Liaoning FTZ is a sign of a new stage for Liaoning's opening up, the revitalization of the Northeast China and the forming of the Northeast Asia economic and trade center. Of course, foreign entrepreneurs and investors will pay close attention to the construction of the free trade area. We are convinced that the people of Liaoning can achieve great success because of its unique advantages and great potential. And as a friend of Liaoning province, we are willing to make our contribution. As the saying goes: thousands of miles begin with a single step. Russia hopes that Liaoning can achieve its goal step by step.

Ishizuka Hideki, Japan Consul General in Shenyang

Liaoning FTZ will further accelerate the international business environment and enhance the attractiveness for foreign enterprises. According to the statistics in 2015, Japan ranked as the largest export and second import country for Liaoning. We are very close partners in the economic and trade areas. The FTZ will help deepen the relation between Japan and Liaoning province and other regions in Northeast China. I, myself and other Japanese companies that have invested or will invest all have big expectations from this.

Tu Ming, Chief Financial Officer, GE China

GE is supportive of Liaoning's efforts building free trade zones. We believe the future Liaoning FTZ, with simplified processes and flexible policies conducive to international trade, will hugely benefit our business operation in Liaoning by closely bridging our local operation to the global market. In fact, we foresee these benefits will create value not only for our business in north east China, but for the growth of GE China nationwide.

Larry B. Stevens, CEO of Wuerth Line China

China is making efforts to create a conductive business environment and set up a mutually beneficial framework through the Shenyang Free Trade Zone. For a trade-oriented company, we can find and pursue more opportunities here. With this development we look at 2017 with more optimism.

(China Daily USA 04/06/2017 page15)