A customer gets advice in the Lin-gang Special Area Cross-border Data Flow Service Center. [Photo/Jiefang Daily]

In a bid to establish a streamlined, secure and above all efficient mechanism for cross-border data flows, the Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone launched the Lin-gang Special Area Cross-border Data Flow Service Center in April.

Since its inception, the center is said to have achieved significant results.

The center is understood to be the first of its kind in China, being co-developed and operated by the cyberspace affairs department and the local government.

It has already provided consultation services to hundreds of business enterprises, conducted multiple policy briefings and assisted many enterprises with their data filings, thereby significantly reducing the time required for declarations.

The center focuses on three key sectors with high demand for outbound data: Intelligent connected vehicles, mutual funds and biomedicines.

Serving as the primary hub for implementing the general cross-border data list, the center offers end-to-end services including consultations, guidance, initial reviews and filing assistance.

In the process of creating a fast-track channel for cross-border data flows, the center has faced a number of problems – such as a lack of reference experience from other regions and ill-defined document formats.

To solve these problems, the center has collaborated with domestic and international institutions and enterprises, introducing advanced technologies and best practices. As a result, companies have become increasingly proactive in participating in the development of a robust cross-border data flow mechanism.

Additionally, the center has launched a cross-border public service management platform. This provides innovative, scenario-based pilot programs and online tools for data processors – enabling more efficient online submissions and management of materials.