The new rules, which will come into effect Oct. 1, will for the first time allow enterprises within a bonded area, also known as a free trade zone, to buy foreign exchange with yuan income from domestic sales.

　Under the new rules, profits, interests and dividends paid to overseas shareholders will be allowed to be converted into foreign currencies and remitted outside the mainland.

　Enterprises in bonded areas so far can only open foreign exchange accounts with banks inside the areas. The new rules will allow them to maintain accounts at the place of incorporation, or in approved cities.

　By the end of last year, China had 15 bonded areas, where firms are allowed to import raw materials and export finished products without making declarations and paying duties to Chinese Customs.

　Shenzhen now has bonded areas in Futian, Shatoujiao and Yantian. The three yielded one tenth of Shenzhen’s industrial output in the first half of the year.(Lin Min)(See more on Page 2)