The Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone People's Court was officially established in Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, on Dec 24. It is aimed at creating a law-abiding business environment in the area.

As the first specialized court to serve the free trade zone, it will promote judicial reform and regional development. It will also seek more opportunities related to the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

The court is responsible for the first trial in commercial cases involving investment, trade and finance in Liangjiang. The court is equipped with 68 police officers, 33 of which are judges, with an average age of 32.5 years. Seventy-three percent of the officers have graduate degrees, and 67 percent are familiar with civil and commercial law, economic law, private international law and international trade.

The Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone People's Court will handle commercial cases in Liangjiang. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

According to statistics released by the Chongqing High People's Court in November, Chongqing courts have handled 23,892 cases related to the pilot free trade zone since its establishment.

As an important part of creating a positive business environment, rule of law is always emphasized by local governments. Liangjiang has set up a professional trial system for business cases involving the free trade zone.

An international arbitration center and an intellectual property court were also set up to promote rule of law in Liangjiang.

Next, Liangjiang plans to set up professional trial institutions and build an administrative mediation system in order to create a law-abiding environment in the pilot free trade zone.