Published by ChinaMNC · Shahekou

Liaoning’s Executive Vice Governor: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

A practical guide to the responsibilities of Liaoning’s executive vice governor, Zhang Lilin, and how they affect foreign founders registering or operating a company in the province.

Who is Zhang Lilin?

Zhang Lilin is a male, Tujia ethnic group member born in January 1971. He holds a doctorate in economics and is a senior economist. He is a member of the Communist Party of China. He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee of the Liaoning Provincial Party Committee, Vice Governor of the Liaoning Provincial People’s Government, and Deputy Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Provincial Government.

Role and Responsibilities

As Executive Vice Governor, Zhang Lilin oversees the day-to-day executive work of the provincial government. His portfolio covers a wide range of areas that directly affect business operations and investment climate in Liaoning.

Key Areas Under His Oversight

• Development and reform: He oversees the Provincial Development and Reform Commission (including the Provincial Energy Bureau).
• Finance and taxation: He is responsible for the Provincial Department of Finance and tax-related matters.
• Financial stability: He oversees the Provincial Local Financial Management Bureau and the Provincial Rural Credit Cooperatives Union.
• Business environment construction: He is responsible for improving the business environment, a key factor for foreign founders.
• Emergency management: He oversees the Provincial Emergency Management Department.
• Statistics: He is responsible for the Provincial Bureau of Statistics.
• National defense mobilization: He oversees the Provincial National Defense Mobilization Office (including the Provincial Civil Air Defense Office).
• Government office affairs: He manages the Provincial Government Office, the Provincial Government Research Office (including the Provincial Counselors Office and Provincial Culture and History Museum), and the Provincial Government Offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong.

Departments and Agencies He Directly Supervises

In addition to the areas above, Zhang Lilin directly supervises several departments and agencies:

• Provincial Government Office
• Provincial Development and Reform Commission (including Provincial Energy Bureau)
• Provincial Department of Finance
• Provincial Emergency Management Department
• Provincial Bureau of Statistics
• Provincial Government Research Office (including Provincial Counselors Office and Provincial Culture and History Museum)
• Provincial National Defense Mobilization Office (including Provincial Civil Air Defense Office)
• Provincial Government Office Affairs Administration
• Provincial Food and Strategic Reserves Bureau
• Provincial Local Mine Safety Supervision Bureau
• Provincial Government Offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong
• Provincial Public Resource Trading Center (Provincial Government Procurement Center)
• Provincial Government Development Research Center (Provincial Macroeconomic Research Center)
• Provincial Defense Science and Technology Industry Office
• Provincial Local Financial Management Bureau
• Provincial Rural Credit Cooperatives Union

He also temporarily manages the Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security (including the Provincial Foreign Experts Bureau) and the Provincial Department of Veterans Affairs.

Coordination with Other Bodies

Zhang Lilin maintains contact with a wide range of provincial and national institutions, including:

• Provincial People’s Congress and Provincial Political Consultative Conference
• Provincial Military Command
• Democratic parties, Provincial Federation of Trade Unions, Communist Youth League Provincial Committee, Provincial Women’s Federation, Provincial Huangpu Military Academy Alumni Association, Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce, and Provincial Working Committee for Care of Next Generation
• Provincial Tax Service, State Taxation Administration Shenyang Special Commissioner’s Office, Provincial Fire and Rescue Bureau, National Mine Safety Supervision Bureau Liaoning Bureau, Provincial Earthquake Bureau, National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration Liaoning Bureau, Ministry of Finance Liaoning Regulatory Bureau, National Bureau of Statistics Liaoning Survey Team, National Energy Administration Northeast Regulatory Bureau, People’s Bank of China Liaoning Branch, Liaoning Financial Regulatory Bureau, Liaoning Securities Regulatory Bureau, Dalian Financial Regulatory Bureau, and Dalian Securities Regulatory Bureau
• PLA and Armed Police units stationed in Liaoning, and financial institutions
• Sinograin Liaoning Branch

What This Means for Foreign Founders

For foreign entrepreneurs considering setting up a company in Liaoning, understanding the responsibilities of key officials can help navigate the regulatory landscape. The Executive Vice Governor’s oversight of development and reform, finance, taxation, financial stability, and the business environment means that policies and initiatives in these areas flow through his office. If you are dealing with issues related to company registration, tax compliance, access to finance, or interactions with local government agencies, these are the domains he influences.

His role in supervising the Provincial Development and Reform Commission and the Provincial Local Financial Management Bureau is particularly relevant for foreign-invested enterprises. The Development and Reform Commission often handles investment project approvals and industrial policy, while the Local Financial Management Bureau oversees local financial institutions and can affect access to banking services. The Provincial Public Resource Trading Center and Government Procurement Center may also be relevant if your business engages in public tenders.

Additionally, his temporary oversight of the Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security (including the Provincial Foreign Experts Bureau) means that matters related to work permits and visas for foreign employees may fall under his purview. This is crucial for foreign founders who need to bring in expatriate staff.

The business environment construction portfolio is especially important. Liaoning has been emphasizing improvements in this area, and the Executive Vice Governor’s involvement signals that foreign businesses can expect ongoing efforts to streamline regulations and reduce administrative burdens. However, always consult local authorities or professional advisors for the most current procedures.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

When registering or operating a company in Liaoning, consider the following:

• Understand the approval processes: The Development and Reform Commission and the Local Financial Management Bureau play key roles in investment approvals and financial regulation. Ensure your business plan aligns with local policies.
• Tax and finance: The Provincial Department of Finance and tax authorities oversee taxation. Stay informed about any incentives or compliance requirements.
• Business environment: Ongoing reforms may simplify procedures. Check with the local government or business associations for updates.
• Human resources: For foreign employees, the Foreign Experts Bureau handles work permits. Ensure proper documentation.
• Emergency and safety: If your operations involve hazardous materials or require emergency planning, the Emergency Management Department’s regulations apply.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.