Shanghai will fully roll out the reform of decoupling business licenses and operation permits in its pilot free trade zones (FTZ), reducing the permit requirements and simplifying the review processes under all 523 items concerning business operation subject to central government approval, in an effort to create a world-class, market-oriented business environment governed by an excellent legal framework, and to promote employment.

Thirteen requirements in the reviewing process, including record-filing and registration by foreign trade operators, will be abolished.

Eight review items, including registration of custom broker corporations, will be replaced by record-filing.

Sixty review requirements, including human resources services permits, will be replaced by pre-commitment of compliance.

Services for the remaining 442 items will be improved by cutting documentation requirements, providing faster online processing, extending or scrapping validity periods and abolishing on-site verification.

All the above-mentioned measures will be included in the all-front reform list, released to the public and adjusted in due course.

Since the State Council made the decision in 2015, the reform, first piloted in the Pudong New Area in Shanghai, has been rolled out in 10 other free trade zones across the country. This effort has effectively improved the business environment and boosted market vitality.

Report says that the 163 pilot reforms to decoupling business licenses and operation permits in the Shanghai FTZ have all been fully implemented. The pilot reform has achieved good results in deepening the reform of "regulation and service" and in solving problems related to business operation in Shanghai, simplifying examination and approval procedures, and optimizing examination and approval services.