Chen Dazhen, a businessman in Hong Kong, received the first private business license in Shenzhen on Friday.

The Futian office of commerce and industry approved the application within half an hour Friday.

"It is unbelievable to get the license within such a short time," Chen's employee Luo Lin said.

She said she thought highly of the government efficiency and had informed her boss immediately.

The new company, which will be opened after the Spring Festival, will be engaged in fashion clothing. Chen said he would set up branches in Guangzhou and Zhuhai.

Chen said he had many investments in Shenzhen and had long been planning to register a private company in his name or in a Shenzhener's name. He later gave up because the procedures were too complicated.

He applied for registration immediately on hearing that Hong Kong people were allowed to run private business in Guangdong Province from Jan. 1.
 
(Shenzhen Daily January 12, 2004)