Hu Hongxiang, a Hong Kong female citizen who used to trade handicraft pieces in the name of her relative in the mainland, received a business license and became the first small-business proprietor from Hong Kong in this economic hub of east China.

Chinese government has allowed citizens from Hong Kong and Macao to register individually-owned small firms on the mainland as of Jan. 1, 2005.

Over the past 24 days, the Shanghai Administration of Industry and Commerce received inquiries about small business registration from scores of citizens of Hong Kong and Macao.

As one of the inquirers, Hu Hongxiang opened a small shop at the city proper of Shanghai in the name of her cousin to sell jewelry and handiwork about two years ago. The store has been brisk business, however, Hu felt upset because she was not the official owner of the shop.

After she heard of the policy for small business owners from Hong Kong like her to be permitted to register in Shanghai, Hu called at the industry and commerce administration's branch in Jing'an District for related information. With all documents ready,she went through the examination and approval procedures within three working days.

Kong Xiangyi, head of the registration section of the Shanghai Administration of Industry and Commerce, said in comparison with incorporation, establishment of individually-owned small businesses requires less and cost low. To allow citizens from HongKong and Macao to register will facilitate citizens from Hong Kongand Macao to do business on the mainland, Kong added.

Now citizens from Hong Kong and Macao are allowed to engage in retailing and catering and to open beauty parlors, provide bathingservices and repair home electrical appliances and other daily requisites.

Kong said there are more than 270,000 individually-owned small businesses in Shanghai and 6,395 enterprises with investment from Hong Kong.

Source: Xinhua