A file photo of Shanghai's Free Trade Zone [Photo: Xinhua]

China is expected to roll out 5 to 8 more free trade zones after the annual two sessions scheduled early next month.

A report from Economic Information Daily said that these new FTZs will be located inland and in near-border areas.

These new zones will focus on China's Belt and Road initiative that will link the country with Asian and European countries.

They will also help to open up the country's inland areas.

As many as 21 provinces have tabled proposals to build FTZs in their local legislatures since the start of this year.

These measures will be handed over to the country's top legislature for debate next month.