Shanghai and its neighboring Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces, which are collectively known as the Yangtze River Delta region, have enacted regulations to promote integrated government services across the region. This marks China's first regional collaborative legislation in the field of government services.

The new regulations, which will take effect on May 1, aim to streamline administrative procedures across the region, allowing businesses and individuals to handle matters locally without needing to travel to the province or city where the service originates.

These services cover corporate matters such as market entry and operation, recruitment, tax payment, construction project management, as well as personal matters, including birth registration, education, employment, healthcare, and elderly care.

"This is another important achievement in regional collaborative legislation in the YRD. It is also an important step to consolidate the achievements of integrated reform through the rule of law," said Yan Rui, deputy secretary-general of the Standing Committee of Shanghai Municipal People's Congress.

Authorities plan to expand the scope of inter-provincial services, with the goal of adding 100 new items this year.

The regulations also emphasize the integration of digital and intelligent capabilities to streamline processes, including reducing paperwork and implementing intelligent review systems.

In addition, to improve data sharing and security, the new rules promote the mutual recognition of electronic licenses, seals, and signatures across the region. For example, an enterprise registered in Shanghai planning to open a branch in Jiangsu province would no longer need to resubmit documents already on file in Shanghai due to improved data connectivity.

Source: Jiefang Daily