China to streamline construction project approval

China's cabinet has released a guideline on reform of the construction project approval system, with the goal of sharply reducing approval time.

A building is under construction in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. [File Photo: VCG]

The country will reduce the time needed for approving construction projects to within 120 work days, in the first half of this year, according to the guideline issued by the General Office of the State Council. This is a dramatic cut from the more than 200 work days previously.

China will also establish a national unified approval and management system for construction projects by the end of 2020, according to the guideline.

Authorities will unify the approval procedures, information platforms, approval and management, and regulatory tools for construction projects.

The move is part of China's broader reform to cut red tape and improve the business environment.