Shanghai's market regulators unveiled a series of initiatives on Monday aimed at enhancing the registration management reform for businesses, with the objective of boosting the city's business environment.

Among the 21 measures introduced, one exempts foreign nationals from notarisation procedures if they set up businesses in the city and have China's foreign permanent resident ID cards, according to the Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation.

In addition, expats in possession of the ID card can wholly register companies online.

Beforehand, it took over a month for foreign nationals to acquire notarisation materials at Chinese embassies and consulates overseas, according to officials.

In addition, permanent representative offices of foreign enterprises in China are not required to submit qualification documents of foreign enterprises certified by Chinese embassies and consulates overseas when they submit annual reports, as per regulations, Shine News reports.

"The city's market regulators are breaking bottlenecks in areas such as operation venues and scope in business registrations, aimed at creating a world-class business environment," stated Peng Wenhao, the administration's deputy director.

"These measures are released based on the voices and real demands of enterprises, and the target is to lift the service quality and management efficiency of authorities with an accurate and intelligent approach," she went on to say.

Officials plan to utilise innovative technologies like AI (artificial intelligence) and big data to streamline information-filling procedures and encourage the adoption of electronic versions of business licences, documents, annual reports, and seals.

A digital map for business venues will also be created, and local authorities in subdistricts, towns, and communities will be instructed to offer free, nearby vacant spaces, like unused community service centres, for individual businesses.

These measures will lead officials to increase random inspections of businesses triggered by complaints, tips, monitoring, and alarms. Additionally, multi-tier inspections will be conducted on businesses according to their credit performance.