Since the so-called 3C campaign of "reporting to citizens, listening to citizens and seeking comments from citizens" was carried out last year, the Qingdao city government has added another highlight in its move to a service-oriented administration.

Since mid-June, investors that locate projects in the city can enjoy a faster administrative approval procedures through a "green channel".

The channel is set for specific types of projects, including the city's key construction projects, renovation of deteriorated buildings, old town reconstruction, and corporate relocations, as well as a project with an investment over $5 million.

Local officials say different related authorities will simultaneously examine these projects to increase work efficiency and help companies avoid the hassle of processing the same documents.

The government-invested housing projects will need 92 workdays for approval, nearly 50 workdays shorter than the previous period. And local authorities say the streamlined system also becomes more flexible and people-centered.

For example, when companies lack some of the needed documents for project approval, the related enforcement departments can still accept the application, given that the applicant signs a written commitment, promising to submit the remaining materials within a given time.

For the city's foreign companies, the local government also plans to provide more support and preferential policies to improve the local business and investment environment. It will establish a comprehensive service network that covers the entire city.

Foreign-founded companies can get help through emails and 24-hour service hotlines. The Qingdao Foreign Investment Service Center will be responsible to help them solve complaints within five days.

Also, a more reasonable and convenient social insurance payment system will be provided to foreign companies.

The government will also help foreign companies expand their financing channels by organizing regular meetings with local banks.

Other supports, such as simplifying the approval procedures for foreign exchange and providing loans from the policy banks will also facilitate their financing.

Expats at high-ranking positions in foreign companies or specializing in high technologies can enjoy many conveniences in terms of medical services, their children's education, patent applications and technological commercialization, according to the local government.

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