The Qianhai and Shekou Area of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone scored 89.51 points in mechanism innovation index (from 2021 to 2022), ranking first among 54 pilot free trade zones (areas) across the country, according to a report released by the Institute of Free Trade Zones of Sun Yat-sen University on Friday.

The mechanism innovation index took five aspects into consideration, specifically investment liberalization, trade facilitation, financial reform and innovation, transformation of government functions and an environment with rule of law.

The Qianhai-Shekou area ranked first in transformation of government functions and an environment with rule of law.