china has turned shanghai into a free trade zone, as it hopes to open up even more to the west. the new economic zone will make it easier for foreigners to invest money. there will be less restrictions on production of certain products. in addition, the chinese currency, yuan, can be traded freely within the zone.the new free-trade zone is the most important step towards free-market economy. chinese leaders want to show that the country is willing to move its economy forward, especially in times when growth has slowed down a bit. economic experts in china hope that the zone will increase investment and provide a new boost for china's economy.