Photo taken on September 8 shows legal staff helping enterprises upload approval documents in northeast China's Liaoning Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ). (Photo: Xinhua)

The Dalian area of northeast China's Liaoning Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has simplified the examination and approval procedures for international voyage ships to facilitate the cross-border trade further, reported Liaoning Daily Wednesday.

Under the streamlined process, the processing time for port entry permits for international shipping has been reduced from more than an hour in the past to 10 minutes, significantly improving customs clearance efficiency.

It is noted that in 2019, Dalian Port accepted nearly 7,000 international voyage ships for the entry. The simplified procedures will save about 3000 working hours for the entry formalities of international ships berthed at the port  and improve the port's business environment.

The Liaoning FTZ was approved by the central government in 2016 and was officially unveiled in 2017.