Shenzhen will expand the categories of social organizations that can register directly with Civil Affairs

Shenzhen announced it would further its social management reforms by expanding the categories of social organizations that can register directly with Civil Affairs without pre-approval from a supervising unit. Shenzhen’s social management reforms started in 2004 with easing registration requirements for trade associations. In 2008, this was expanded to include economic, social welfare and public welfare associations. This year, the plan is to include five other categories of associations: cultural, environmental, social services and recreational.