Pudong moves to further streamline bureaucracy

The Pudong New Area government has further cut bureaucracy in order to improve its business environment, according to a press conference held on Monday.

Last year, when introducing Tesla to the Lingang area, Pudong set a record by shortening the period from contract signing to construction ground-breaking to only half a year. The record was renewed this year.

Walmart’s membership-only warehouse retailer Sam’s Club waited just 76 days to get the green light to begin building its third outlet and flagship store in the Waigaoqiao Bonded Zone.

Under the principle of overall planning, Pudong has managed to reduce the preparation times for major construction projects from at least 730 days to within 295 days. Such projects can be prepared, approved and allowed to start construction in the same year, said Weng Zuliang, Party secretary of Pudong, at the conference.

Instead of visiting several authorities to get approvals, business applicants just need to apply for one comprehensive certificate at the business service center. Also, they can apply online and enjoy the remote verification service.

For new business and industries, local authorities are offering personalized service to help them land in Pudong, which has greatly facilitated the growth of Freshippo and Dingdong Maicai.

Li Lisheng, director of Pudong Development and Reformation Commission, said a good business environment is a manifestation of local soft power and productivity.

Pudong offers considerate services to companies from establishment to retreat from the market, including streamlining administrative procedures and solving fundraising difficulties, he said.

Next, Pudong will hear more from companies to get to know what they need to create a most transparent, fair and efficient market, he added.

Despite the impact of the pandemic, from January to August, Pudong’s actual foreign investment saw year-on-year growth of 4.7 percent. Now, Pudong is home to the regional headquarters of 348 multinational companies, with newcomers such as Costco, Minsheng Securities and China State Shipbuilding Corporation Ltd.

Volvo Construction Equipment and Dassault Systèmes have also moved their Asia Pacific headquarters from Singapore and Japan respectively to Pudong. Freshippo has its global headquarters in Pudong.