The Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce said the new system could greatly help over 300 types of industries to have access to markets faster than before.

Traditional application and approval procedures occur before applying for business licences. Enterprises in China should be approved by related administrative departments in terms of qualifications.

Industries involved in the traditional regulation include more than 400 sectors, such as pharmaceutical, restaurant and tobacco industries.

After the reform, the Beijing Municipal People's Government said over 300 types of industries, including the restaurant and advertisement sectors, could first apply for the business licence and then their qualifications certificates.

Experts point out that avoiding red tape could greatly shorten the time enterprises enter the market, which means more business opportunities for them.

(CCTV.com 07/07/2001)