Taizhou launches guidelines to streamline regional reviews

Several local authorities including the bureau of commerce in Taizhou city – located in East China's Jiangsu province – released trial guidelines for the application of regional assessment results on May 17, to improve project approval efficiency and reduce the burden on business.

Regional assessments now evaluate areas comprehensively before project approvals, replacing individual project evaluations. This speeds up approvals and provides shared assessment results for projects in the region.

Since 2019, Taizhou has completed 53 regional assessments, benefiting 309 projects by reducing costs and accelerating timelines. Notable cases from Taixing and Jingjiang have even been promoted province wide.

Geng Xiaoli, director of Taizhou bureau of commerce, said the new guidelines standardized the applications process, clarified technical indicators and maximized the benefits of regional assessments to improve the business environment.

The guidelines cover nine areas: geological hazards, mineral resources, environmental impact, soil and water conservation, flood impact, water resources, cultural heritage, seismic safety and climate feasibility. Overall, they are said to markedly simplify procedures and reduce costs.

For example, companies no longer need individual geological hazard assessments, saving time and money. What once took 14 days and over 10,000 yuan ($1,381) now takes one day with no extra cost.

Moving forwards, plans are for Taizhou to expand regional assessments to all key parks, promoting best practice to ensure precise and efficient applications that benefit both businesses and the general public.