The Hefei National High-tech Industrial Development Zone scores 86.93 points for its business environment. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

The general business environment index of Hefei National High-tech Industrial Development Zone in 2020 is 86.93 points (out of 100 points), a score between satisfied and very satisfied, according to a report released Jan 7.

Doctor Ye Jiangfeng from the Department of Business Administration at Anhui University gave details of the report at a news conference, saying it was the first business environment index report for development zones in China since the State Council issued Regulations on Optimizing the Business Environment.

The index includes six first-level indicator systems for government services – factor cost, living environment, opening-up, innovation environment, entrepreneurship environment and the rule of law, and the zone scored 89.77, 85.77, 84.54, 85.17, 88.55 and 88.96 points.

The zone government said they will take measures to improve the six areas and solve problems found by the report.

The department's research team conducted a survey and analysis of nearly 1,000 large sample questionnaires into different types of enterprises over three months, aiming to reflect the current business environment of the development zone in a comprehensive, objective and scientific way. The research team will continue to observe changes and trends in the zone's business environment in the future.

The survey results showed that with the increase in the number of years of settlement, the overall satisfaction of enterprises with the business environment of the development zone is on the rise.

The average score given by enterprises that have been settled in the development zone for more than 10 years was higher than the general index score.

Companies who had been settled for 11 to 15 years scored 87.84 points, and those who had been there for more than 15 years scored 88.01 points.

In addition, the satisfaction degree of large enterprises in the high-tech zone is generally higher than that of small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in the areas of government services and innovation and entrepreneurship environment.

Fang Xiangmin, deputy director of the management committee of the development zone detailed the progress made in optimizing the business environment in 2019.

Fang said the efficiency of government services had been significantly improved. The Anhui Government Service Network High-tech Zone Office had been put into operation, and online government services basically realized. The reform of the project approval system of "get land and start construction" had been initiated to streamline the project approval process.

To create a livable environment, the zone has innovatively compiled a green development plan and obtained an "Excellent" rating in the review and evaluation of the National Eco-industrial Demonstration Park. The introduction of Hefei Sixth Middle School to run Gaoxin Innovation Experimental Middle School, the construction of the second phase of Hefei Canada International School, and the opening of the international diagnosis and treatment area at the Gaoxin hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University have been a true testament to an improved livable environment there.

Fang said the level of international participation is gradually deepening. The zone has been actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, and built the Hungarian European Overseas Chinese Science and Technology Industrial Park for cooperation between China and Eastern Europe. It is integrating into the development of the Yangtze River Delta and has started cooperation with Hangzhou High-tech Zone. Its Hefei International Talent City has served more than 2,000 foreign talents.

The innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the development zone is gradually improving, Fang said. The zone has been promoting cooperation between schools and companies, and fostering innovative enterprises. It is home to 502 newly identified high-growth enterprises and 1,192 national high-tech enterprises,

Yan Ping, deputy secretary-general of the Hefei Municipal Government, recognized the zone's work in optimizing the business environment in 2019 and spoke highly of the business environment index report at the news conference.