Market entities in Haimen district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, experienced fast growth in the first half of this year, with 11,600 being registered, a year-on-year increase of 109.4 percent.

Among them are 3,243 companies and 8,451 household businesses, respective year-on-year increases of 110.5 percent and 109.3 percent.

The rapid increase was largely due to the implementation of 70 measures rolled out by authorities to optimize the business environment, including streamlining approval procedures and improving primary-level government services.

Authorities have established several escrow companies offering agent services related to applying for business licenses and policy counseling to micro and small enterprises.

The local government has developed government service standards to improve approval efficiency and ensure that construction on major projects can start as soon as land permits are issued, with four projects so far benefitting from the policy.

In addition, authorities have created 15-minute government service circles in towns and villages to handle 92 service offerings related to people's wellbeing.

Zhang Shiwen, a staff member of Zenith Steel Group Co based in Haimen's port area, said that he can now apply for his real estate ownership certificate through online government service platforms, which saves him a lot of time.