Pudong granted municipal-level administrative approval powers
The Shanghai municipal government announced on May 8 that it will grant Pudong New Area with administrative approval powers on 61 items, giving a higher degree of autonomy to the area in reform and opening-up.
The powers include accepting applications, examining qualifications and issuing certificates in 18 fields, involving economic and information technology, science and technology, public security, natural resources, housing, urban and rural construction, transportation, agriculture and rural affairs, culture and tourism, public health, emergency response, market regulation, sports, civil defense, medical products administration, publication, movies, and meteorology.
During a municipal government executive meeting held on April 8, officials said full support will be given to Pudong in promoting reform of administrative procedures and improving the business environment by removing restrictions on market access.
Pudong took the lead in pioneering new administrative reforms in 2019, in response to the central government's call for streamlining administration, delegating power, improving regulations, and upgrading services.
The local government cut the number of administrative approval items by 76 percent, reduced the processing time by 88 percent and reduced the amount of application materials by 67 percent.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pudong's development and opening-up. The district has made numerous achievements through reform and innovation. The newly granted powers are expected to further boost the district's growth.