Since 2000, Sichuan Province has promoted vigorously the reform of administrative approval system and optimized the soft environment for investment. The departments under Sichuan Provincial People's Government have sorted out 2470 item for administrative approval. Determined by Sichuan Provincial People's Government, 760 items have been cancelled in 8 batches, 184 will be adjusted, 130 will not be taken as approval items and only 1269 items will be reserved (of which 1194 items were set up by the State). The administrative approval items concerning production and operation and living guarantee of foreign merchants and investors have been cleared up.

Now only the reserved administrative approval items in industrial and commercial registration, tax registration, land use, foreign exchange management and customs filing are related to foreign merchants and investors.

Upon the implementation of Administrative License Law on July 1, 2004, except for those administrative license can be authorized then and there and for those otherwise prescribed in laws and regulations, administrative authorities usually make out administrative approval in 20 days from the day of application acceptance. Incase more time is needed, 10 days can be prolonged after approval by person in charge of the administrative approval authority, and reasons shall be made clear to the applicant.