Green channel provides speedy, convenient service

Weifang Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone has created a "green channel" to improve efficiency of key projects' approval to better serve local businesses.

In previous years, applications for new projects required approval from more than seven government departments, including the project construction department and safety administration department. It may take businesses one to two years to complete the approval process.

Many businesses complained that tremendous business opportunities have been lost during the wait period.

The development zone launched a new key project approval mechanism in 2014 aimed at reducing waiting time for approvals. The new "green channel" significantly reduces approval time by as much as 70 percent.

Seventeen businesses enjoyed the "green channel" services in 2016.

Weichai Weifang New Energy is one beneficiary of the "green channel" services.

"We are in the category of emerging industries. We want to introduce our products to the market in the quickest manner to better capture business opportunities," said Wang Yulong, a legal adviser of Weichai Group. "The 'green channel' services reduced waiting time by two-thirds."

Oulong Electronic, which settled in the zone in 2006, is another beneficiary of the "green channel" services. The business had to change its business registration to be listed in the capital market.

"The application process for a business registration change is very complex. We had no idea about the process," said Yao Yan, deputy general manager of Oulong.

Oulong successfully changed its business registration information with support from the zone.

"The zone's support provided a solid foundation for our listing plan," Yao said.

Fifty projects, with total investment of 24.4 billion yuan ($3.54 billion), have been launched in 2017 to serve the zone's long-term development goals.

The zone's authorities consider major project construction to be an important factor in supporting the region's economic growth.

Cui Chengwang contributed to this story.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 05/08/2017 page12)