FTZ is testing ground for nation

Shanghai area throws up questions that apply well beyond its boundaries

Alot is expected from the Shanghai free trade zone, approved by the State Council five weeks ago and due to open office on Sept 29. There is no doubt it is a milestone in China's continued opening-up and a further sign of the new way the country's economy operates.

The zone is initially being run as a pilot project and it may be years before it becomes fully operational. Other candidates for free trade zones - Chongqing, Guangdong and Xiamen - should wait to see how things work out in Shanghai before prosecuting their cases further.