In response to the increasing international cooperation, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, has been committed to optimizing the services for overseas individuals living or working in China.

Zhou Kai, an Uzbekistan citizen running a trading company in Huzhou, recently visited the local Bank of China branch to apply for a bank card, which he was able to receive quickly by simply using his phone and presenting his passport.

"Previously we had to fill out forms in Chinese characters, and I am not good at writing Chinese. Now it is much more convenient," said Zhou.

The convenient service Zhou enjoyed benefited from an identity verification system established last year in Huzhou. Focusing on the inconvenience faced by foreigners when it comes to identity verification in China, the system offers instant verification and processing in various government service and public service scenarios in Huzhou.

In addition to the system, Huzhou has also established an online platform, enabling people from overseas to handle various matters online after completing a one-time in-person verification.

The platform, together with the identity verification system, has greatly facilitated the handling of foreign-related matters. Fei Siyuan, comprehensive service manager at the Huzhou branch of the Bank of China, noted the significant reduction in processing time, from 10-15 minutes to just 2-3 minutes.