The State Council Information Office held a press briefing on efforts to improve the business environment in China. Officials from the cities of Xiamen, Wuhan, Foshan and Guiyang discussed what they have been doing to make life easier for businesses. CGTN's Mark Fontes has more.

As China expands its open markets, and enhances trade and investment, those at the city level want in on the action. Officials from Xiamen, Wuhan, Foshan and Guiyang gathered to introduce specifics in Beijing this week. Their intended changes aim to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, simplify procedures, and delegate powers to lower levels. Under the reform, cities like Foshan and Guiyang have pushed forward with the Internet plus government mode of service, Meanwhile Xiamen, in southeast China's Fujian province, is working to make itself a world-class business city. Xiamen's vice mayor says the city has made great progress in optimizing its business environment.

HUANG QIANG EXECUTIVE VICE MAYOR OF XIAMEN "In 2016 and 17, new enterprises rose by 24 percent and 21.9 percent respectively. Last year, foreign investment in actual use rose by 11.2 percent and private investment went up 20.9 percent."

However, Xiamen's mayor says with the US being the city's biggest trade partner, the ripple effect of the China-US trade friction has hurt export-oriented enterprises. Order transfers and other costs have gone up. The vice mayor, however, has tabled a proposal.

HUANG QIANG EXECUTIVE VICE MAYOR OF XIAMEN "We will enhance the construction of diversified market. Although trade with the US accounts for 17% of Xiamen's market share, through expanding the market, these export-oriented enterprises can find more trade partners."

A healthy business environment is a must for private and foreign investors. Thus, China's moves to optimize its business climate aim to tear down barriers and facilitate more private and foreign investment. CGTN, Beijing.