Innovation, Xiangtan plan, fatal blasts discussed

Most of the measures encouraging innovation, which have been piloted in eight areas, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei city cluster, Shanghai and the Pearl River Delta since June 2016, will be replicated in other regions nationwide, said the State Council, China’s cabinet.

It is part of the reform to remove barriers and support mass entrepreneurship and innovation decided at a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Aug 30.

Targeted measures will be adopted to support the development of small and mediumsized enterprises, including a one-stop service in financing SMEs, according to a statement released after the meeting.

A comprehensive system will be established to strengthen intellectual property rights protection. Universities and research institutions will be allowed to introduce and reward high-level expertise in flexible and diverse forms, including annual salaries and wages.

The meeting also encouraged high-quality foreign students and experts to start a business or work in China. Eligible foreign students can apply for a work permit or a workrelated residence permit. One-stop application and issuance of work permits will be promoted around the country to facilitate their applications.

Urban planning approved

The State Council has approved overall urban planning (2010-20) for Xiangtan in Hunan province.

Xiangtan has an important role in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan city cluster as a key industrial, technological and tourism city in the central province.

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