A pilot program to expand foreign investment in value-added telecom services has been launched in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area and socialist modernization pioneer zone. This initiative marks a significant step in furthering China's opening-up strategy in the telecommunications industry.

Foreign enterprises can now apply to operate wholly-owned internet data centers (IDC) and engage in online data processing and transaction processing in the designated areas of Shanghai.

Interested enterprises can submit their applications online through the e-government service platform of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology at https://ythzxfw.miit.gov.cn, under "政务服务(government services)" - "行政许可(administrative licensing)" - "电信和互联网业务(telecom and internet businesses)" - "电信业务经营许可(telecom business license)". This online submission process facilitates automatic application processing and enhances convenience for foreign investors.

For policy inquiries, applicants can contact the Shanghai Municipal Economic and Information Technology Commission at +86-21-60801129. For guidance on the application process, they can reach out to the Shanghai Communications Administration at +86-21-63905098. Project declarations can be made to the Lin-gang Special Area at +86-21-68286752.