The Tongzhou district of Nantong city in East China's Jiangsu province currently has eight local companies listed on share markets – ranking it first in the metropolis according to the latest official data – and that number is expected to double during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25).

Companies in the district are encouraged to go public, provided with strong policy support plus comprehensive assistance from fast-track channels established by local departments.

The local financial supervision bureau – in conjunction with the judicial, state-owned assets, administrative approval and the taxation departments – provides on-site investigations. It also helps discuss any problems, conducts preliminary consultations and undertakes regular study sessions to help the candidates to list their shares.

In February, Tongzhou released a new paper called Several Policies and Regulations on Accelerating the Listing of Enterprises. Under the policy, the district will provide a direct grant of 7 million yuan ($1.09 million) for businesses that successfully list and 6.5 million yuan for those listed on the prestigious National Equities Exchange and Quotations, also known as the New Third Board. The grants will be released at different stages of the listing.

To solve specific irregular problems, there is a consultant group made up of experts from the various stock exchanges, national equity transfer centers and senior intermediary agencies. They are invited by the district to hear issues and give suggestions on a regular basis.

Companies can also enjoy funding support form and liaise with research institutes and universities, thanks to Tongzhou's coordination efforts.

Qin Ruizuo, director of Tongzhou's financial supervision bureau, revealed the target of doubling the number of listed enterprises by 2025.

Last month, the bureau submitted to the district government proposals for share reforms, stock market listing guidance and other completed procedures for two candidate companies.