Harbin government will launch an internet platform to offer more online services to local residents at the end of 2017, according to a recent announcement.

According to the announcement, services related to education, healthcare, household policies, employment and housing security will be made available to residents on the internet, as much as possible.

In the past, people may have needed to go through several procedures or have to go to different departments to gain a certain certification. But now, online services will cut most of the approval procedures, enabling residents to have their needs addressed at home.

Harbin government plans to have established a complete online platform to offer services covering over 290 towns and villages in the city by the end of 2018.

At present, some 30 departments in Harbin offer 379 online services. More services are expected to be made available soon.