The launch of a guidebook on hands-on information on doing business reflects Shanghai's commitment to creating a world-class business environment, said officials, senior executives and experts on May 18.

As part of the ongoing efforts to create a better grassroots business environment in the eastern city, a practical business environment guidebook was issued in Shanghai's Huangpu district on May 18.

"The guidebook is a practical manual consisting of 30 practical scenarios. It offers a panoramic view of the city's business environment, providing systematic information including market access, project implementation, production and operation, supportive measures, rights protection, and market exit," Lu Aiguo, head of the business environment construction department with the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission, said.

Andrej Jautze, group director of Asia-Pacific at Vaillant Group, said their company benefited from the prime business environment of Shanghai and the Huangpu district, where it is headquartered. Especially in terms of intellectual property protection, consumer rights protection, and community co-construction, related government departments have provided precise and efficient services.

"They also help us a lot to become a better company and be able to act swiftly and decisively in a very tough market environment. This, for me, as the director of the entire Asia-Pacific region, gives me great confidence that this is the right place for us to make future investments as well," Jautze said.

According to Jautze, the German family-owned company specialized in heating, hot water, cooling and ventilation business, set up its China business more than 30 years ago, and moved its base to Shanghai's Huangpu district in 2015.

"The launch of the guidebook marks a shift in Shanghai's business environment development from facilitating management to serving customers," Zhu Mang, a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said.

"Through addressing the practical requirements for the grassroots business environment, the guidebook is extremely practical with value for further promotion."

He added that further attention is required on the details of collaboration between various departments.