1. What's the background for the development of the trial version of the Guidelines for "Start Construction upon Land Acquisition" Approval Services in the BDA's Social Investment Industrial Projects (hereinafter referred to as the "Guide")?

In accordance with the principles outlined in the Regulation of Beijing Municipality on Optimizing Doing Business Environment and the Implementation Plan of Beijing Municipality for Pilot Programs on Business Environment Innovation, a commitment has been made to further advance the reforms to streamline administration, delegate power, strengthen regulation, and improve government services. The aim is to enhance the business environment, improve administrative approval service efficiency, nurture and stimulate the vitality of market entities, and expedite the implementation of industrial projects. 

The Guide have been formulated to establish "start construction upon land acquisition" as the standard practice for social investment industrial projects, with few exceptions.

2. What is the definition of "start construction upon land acquisition"? 

It means that during the preparatory stage before the confirmation of an industrial land transaction, various project preparations are undertaken. Regulatory departments, through proactive services and collaborative efforts, ensure that within 10 working days after the enterprise acquires the land, the construction engineering permit is issued, and the necessary conditions for actual construction are met.

3. What is the scope of application for the Guide?

The Guide is applicable to social investment industrial projects within 225 square kilometers of Beijing E-Town. To be eligible, a project must have signed an "entry agreement" or an equivalent document. Additionally, the intended land parcel should align with the approved urban district control plan or comprehensive implementation plan for industrial land in Beijing E-Town, and both of these conditions must be met simultaneously.

4. When should prospective land-acquiring enterprises apply?

The enterprises should submit a commitment letter (refer to Appendix 3 of the Guide) to the Administrative Examination and Approval Bureau after signing the "entry agreement" or other equivalent documents, to apply for the "start construction upon land acquisition" mode for their projects.

5. When will the project approval service briefing be organized? How can the contact persons for various approval matters be reached?

Once the project's entry into the area and site selection are confirmed, the Administrative Examination and Approval Bureau will convene a project approval service briefing. This meeting is designed to facilitate communication between the enterprise and the responsible individuals for approval matters.

6. Does this Guide apply to projects involving hazardous chemicals?

This guideline is applicable to projects that generally involve the use of hazardous chemicals, provided that standalone hazardous chemical warehouses are not included. It does not apply to the construction, renovation, or expansion of facilities specifically for hazardous chemical production or storage, nor to chemical engineering projects associated with the production of hazardous chemicals.

7. What is the duration of the Guide?

The Guide came into effect from May 4, 2023, and will undergo a three-year trial period.