At a bustling government service center in Beijing’s Xicheng District, Zhao Peng, manager of a catering company, arrived with a stack of documents, bracing himself for a long and exhausting process to open a new branch.
To his surprise, the experience was far from cumbersome. A staff member swiftly reviewed his paperwork and noted a missing document could be submitted online. “No need to come back,” the staff assured him. “Just upload it from home, and your permits will be ready in a few days.”
“With just one trip, I got the new business license and operating permit. It’s so convenient,” Zhao shared enthusiastically.
Enhancing Administrative Efficiency
Zhao’s experience reflects China’s ongoing efforts to improve its business environment. Earlier this year, the State Council issued guidelines to promote “one-stop service” and enhance administrative efficiency. The initiative aims to simplify procedures for businesses and individuals, making processes more streamlined and accessible.
The first batch of “one-stop service” measures includes 13 key tasks, eight of which directly relate to business operations. These tasks cover areas such as corporate information updates, establishing transportation and catering businesses, utility applications, credit restoration, IPO compliance checks, bankruptcy verifications, and business deregistration.
In May, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), in collaboration with seven other departments, issued a directive to expand the implementation of “one-stop service” and further enhance government service efficiency.
Broader Strategies for Economic Growth
Simplifying procedures is just one aspect of China’s broader strategy to optimize its business environment. The country has consistently implemented reforms to foster high-quality economic development. These efforts include reducing taxes and fees, accelerating digital governance, and drafting the Private Economy Promotion Law.
In September, the SAMR introduced the 2024 Key Measures for Optimizing the Business Environment, aiming to address critical issues reported by market participants. The focus is on improving fairness and competitiveness in the market, reducing unnecessary administrative interference, and eliminating barriers to market entry and business relocation.
At the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, it was announced that China would publish the Private Economy Promotion Law to provide a more supportive environment for private enterprises. The law is expected to encourage private-sector participation in major national projects and address systemic challenges faced by private businesses.
Policies aimed at boosting domestic demand, restoring market confidence, and supporting private-sector growth have significantly energized China’s economic momentum in 2024.
Reference(s):
China moves to optimize business environment, driving growth
cgtn.com
