The Harbin area of China (Heilongjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) – located in Harbin city, capital of China’s northernmost Heilongjiang province – recently moved to streamline its small business licensing regulations to help stimulate the zone’s economy, according to local officials.

They said the Harbin area’s administrative committee announced a plan that calls for simplified licensing arrangements covering four types of small public businesses.

As of Oct 1, the Public Place Sanitation Permit issued to accommodation, beauty, hairdressing and bathing venues will be scrapped.

Instead, there will be a Public Place Sanitation Notice and Commitment Letter that must bear the signature of business owners. It will be considered as indispensable as a business license, which is the main document required to be obtained and displayed at business sites.

Officials said the reform aims to further promote the market access system of "come in easily, be managed strictly". It aims to improve service flows and efficiency, and achieve the goal of regulatory streamlining, supported by enhanced compliance and oversight.

The China (Heilongjiang) Pilot FTZ was one of six new pilot free trade zones approved by the State Council -- China’s Cabinet -- in August last year.

Heilongjiang province’s government subsequently announced a plan to advance a reform, separating permits from each business’ main business license throughout the entire free trade zone.

The Harbin area of the China (Heilongjiang) Pilot FTZ responded by introducing its own implementation plan.

Officials said this plan fits in with the country’s progressive efforts to streamline its administration, delegate powers and improve regulations and services – adding that it is expected to further improve the zone’s business environment.

They said it is applicable to small businesses that are registered and operate in the Harbin area of the China (Heilongjiang) Pilot FTZ.

These include small hotels and boarding houses with 30 beds or less, beauty salons with a business area of 80 square meters or less, hair dressers with a business area of 100 sq m or less -- shops providing both services should cover no more than 100 sq m -- and bathing places with a business area of no more than 300 sq m.

The four specified types of small public business venues within the the Jiangbei Coordinated Development Area of the Harbin New Area should also follow the rule, according to the plan.

Officials said they no longer need to apply for or await a Public Place Sanitation Permit. Instead, they can start operations as soon as they sign the Public Place Sanitation Notice and Commitment Letters.

The health bureau of the Harbin area of the China (Heilongjiang) Pilot FTZ is responsible for formulating new corresponding measures to supervise these public venues, as well as to maintain credit files on their commitment, performances and supervision results.

The plan also stresses normalized novel coronavirus epidemic prevention and control measures that eliminate hidden dangers through more frequent searches, disinfections and other efforts.