China to further cut red tape

China will streamline administrative approvals to boost business creation, innovation and employment, according to a statement released Wednesday.

The central government will abolish or delegate 52 administrative approvals to governments at lower levels; universities will get more power to decide how to run higher education and conduct research, according to the statement issued after an executive meeting of the State Council chaired by Premier Li Keqiang.

The government will also loosen its control on approvals and confirmation of some professional qualifications, leaving assessment to industrial associations and societies, the statement said.

Streamlined administrative approvals will also make investment and business creation easier in fields including electronics waste recycling, repairing agricultural equipment and agent services for overseas education.

The meeting also discussed the safe, green development of the petrochemical industry.

A draft amendment to the Advertising Law was reviewed at the meeting, improving management of advertising about drugs and health foods and proposing harsher punishment for false advertising. The draft will be submitted to the legislative body after further revisions, the statement said.