In order to further promote the facilitation of investment and trade and support the development of the real economy, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) recently released the Circular on adjusting the approval authority for certain foreign exchange businesses under the capital account (Huifa 2009No.21) in compliance with the economic work priorities of maintaining growth, expanding domestic demand, adjusting the economic structure, and attaching importance to the peoples livelihood as set out by the CPC Central Committee. According to the Circular, part of the approval authority for foreign exchange business under the capital account involving ten types of business will be delegated by the SAFE to its local branches, including inter-city opening of capital accounts, providing guarantees to foreign enterprises by domestic institutions, transfer of individual property abroad, and some cases of market exits under the securities account, etc. In compliance with the principle of clarifying authority and responsibility, making arrangements on a scientific basis, keeping risks under control, and facilitating the operations of the involved parties, the SAFE will formulate and perfect operational procedures and policy standards so as to enhance the post-supervision and inspection of issues related to the said approvals. The local branches can make relevant authorizations to the central sub-branches (sub-branches) under their jurisdiction according to the situations in the areas under their jurisdiction and in compliance with the relevant requirements of the internal control system.
The decision to further delegate approval authority for foreign exchange business to the local branches is conducive to facilitating the business operations of enterprises, shortening the time needed for examination and approval, enhancing the efficiency of administration, as well as decreasing policy costs. The decision will also play a positive role in helping the foreign exchange authorities at all levels further clarify their work responsibilities and perfect their administration.  (End)