1. Free services D quality services are provided by the office of the management committee to investors without charging any handling or referral fees.
   
   
2. Concessionary land charges D the land use right assignment fee is set at Rmb198/sqm, with discounts being offered to hi-tech projects.
   
   
3. Agency system D the management office commissions agencies and agents to recruit investors and pays them agency fees for successful deals made.
   
   
4. Reward system D rewards are offered to groups and individuals that help bring in business or investment.
   
   
5. Project follow-up D the management office assigns special personnel to follow up on major investment projects to ensure their success.
   
   
6. Information network D a special website is set up to attract investment through the Internet.
   
   
7. Leadership group D an investment leadership group is established, with leaders of the management office taking a personal lead in soliciting business.
   
   
8. Enhanced efficiency D every effort will be made to complete the necessary formalities within the shortest possible time.

It is understood that the Shenzhen city government is applying to the State Council for approval to designate the Longgang Grand Industrial Zone as one of China's first export-processing zones for hi-tech products.

Sichuan Sets Up 74 Technology Centres

Since the launch of the Technology Innovation Project in Sichuan in 1996, a total of 74 technology centres have been established in the province, including eight at the state level.

In recent years, the Sichuan government has stepped up its support for technological innovation by enterprises. Mianyang, Neijiang and Chengdu have been designated as pilot cities, the Sichuan Hoist Inc Ltd and nine other enterprises have been identified as technological innovation pilots, while 10 production-education-research bases have been established.

At present, all the 74 centres in the province are given support in the form of special funding and dynamic management.

Also, in an effort to help small-and medium-sized enterprises, most of which are weak in R&D and information exchange, the Sichuan Provincial Industrial Technology Innovation Centre has been established to provide them with technical and information services.

The strengthening of R&D capability has helped promote the commercialisation of technological achievements. This year, 40 of Sichuan's technological projects have been included in the national technological innovation programme and 52 have been listed in the national trial-production programme.

Since the launch of the Technology Innovation Project, new products and new technologies have been put to good use and have produced excellent economic results in Sichuan. Between 1996 and 1998, more than 9,400 new products have been developed, with output value reaching Rmb92 billion.

Hubei Acts to Protect Foreign Investment

Jiang Zhuping, governor of Hubei, emphasised at a recent economic conference that efforts would be made by the province to improve its investment environment and attract more foreign capital in the year ahead.

According to Jiang, while Hubei's investment environment has improved in recent years, much still leaves to be desired. Many foreign investors are unhappy with the situation, which explains the decline in investment. In the year 2000, actions will be taken to bring about a fundamental change in the investment environment.

The governor also pointed out that the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors would be protected. In order to boost the confidence of foreign businesses, steps will be taken to provide "one-stop" service to investors, simplify formalities, upgrade efficiency and quality of service, and promptly solve problems encountered by foreign investors. Efforts would also be made to widen the channels and spheres of foreign investment utilisation, introduce advanced technologies and funds from abroad to carry out economic restructuring, and promote the integration of Hubei's technological achievements with foreign investment.