Optics Valley issues the first comprehensive industry license for the "one industry, one license" pilot reform program on May 28. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China) in Wuhan, the capital of Central China's Hubei province, issued the first comprehensive industry license for the "one industry, one license" pilot reform program on May 28.

The "one industry, one license" reform is one of the zone's efforts to streamline business procedures and save processing time.

Take opening a pharmacy as an example: It used to be necessary to submit four sets of materials on four occasions, and to go through the approval process four times to apply for relevant permits.

Following the reform, one set of application materials and one approval process are now required, and the applicant can receive a comprehensive industry license and start business within 12 working days – greatly improving efficiency.

The zone will implement the "one industry, one license" pilot reform in 15 sectors, including pharmacies, restaurants, supermarkets, KTVs, internet cafes, cafes and swimming pools. The reform program will be replicated and promoted throughout the city in the future.

In addition, the zone held a news conference on the same day to release nine measures on expanding market access and stimulating the vitality of market entities. The measures are related to market access, business licenses, market exits and inclusive supervision, among others, aiming to further stimulate the innovation and entrepreneurship of market players.

Optics Valley has improved its business environment in recent years. By the end of 2020, it was home to 148,000 market players, including 105,000 companies.