New area

    China announced on Saturday it would establish the Xiongan New Area in Hebei Province as part of measures to advance the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

    This is another new area of national significance after the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the Shanghai Pudong New Area, according to a circular* issued by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council. The move is a “major historic and strategic choice made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core,” said the circular, which described the decision as “a strategy crucial for a millennium* to come.”

    Overseas NGOs

    A total of 62 overseas NGOs have registered with public security authorities and set up representative offices on the Chinese mainland after a new law regulating overseas NGOs took effect Jan. 1.

    Among the 62 NGOs, which include those in fields such as economy, education and environmental protection, 27 are from the United States, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the U.S.-China Business Council.

    Free trade zones

    China has taken its free trade zones (FTZ) up to 11, with seven new FTZs starting operation on Saturday.

    After an unveiling ceremony on Saturday, contracts for 60 major projects totaling 80.2 billion yuan (US$11.7 billion) were signed in Southwest China’s Chongqing FTZ, according to the Chongqing Commerce Commission. The signed projects cover various fields such as high-end manufacturing, finance, and international logistics services. The unveiling ceremony of China Shaanxi FTZ was held on Saturday morning in Xi’an Hi-tech Industries Development Zone.

    Work permit

    A new foreigner’s work permit administration system went into effect on Saturday. The Employment Permit for Foreigners and the Foreign Expert Work Permit are integrated into the Foreigner’s Work Permit in China.

    The new program makes it more simple and transparent for foreigners to apply for a work permit in the country. Several other important rules and regulations also changed or took effect on Saturday. (SD-Agencies)