Policy digest

Streamlining will continue to expand

Administrative approvals will continue to be streamlined and red tape slashed to improve the business environment, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting on Jan 17. The meeting was chaired by Premier Li Keqiang.

It was decided at the meeting that a pilot reform on streamlining administrative approvals will be carried out in Shanghai's Pudong New Area. This will cut or simplify another 47 approval items, after all of China's free trade zones have separated operation permits from business licenses and cleared 116 approval items. The 47 approval items will cover fields including medical care, investment, construction, transportation and quality supervision. While services need to be more simplified and improved, supervision needs to be strengthened, the meeting stressed.