Shanghai has been constantly optimizing the application process for APEC cards this year, allowing more eligible persons to hold the cards to explore and thrive in overseas markets.

APEC cards are called "civilian diplomatic passports". Holders can travel freely between 17 economies in the Asia-Pacific region, including China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Russia. The length of stay for a single entry varies from 60 to 180 days.

Shanghai has started its APEC cards application business since 2009. Any company, regardless of whether it is state-owned, private, or foreign-funded, can apply for these cards for its management, business, and technical personnel if they meet the relevant conditions.

To effectively raise the awareness of APEC cards, the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office has organized a series of promotional events this year. For example, it has cooperated with the governments of Pudong New Area and Minhang District to hold special promotional sessions for some 90 enterprises of the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group Co., Ltd. and over 30 enterprises of the Zizhu High-Tech Park.

The Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office has also set up acceptance points in the Hongqiao Central Business District, Lingang New Area, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Zone, where enterprises' needs are concentrated. In addition, the office has introduced a flexible "early issuance" measure to shorten the waiting time for business people to use the cards.

"The enthusiasm of enterprises to apply for APEC cards is our greatest motivation," said a staff member of the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office. "We will continue to adjust and optimize the application process, shorten the application time, and realize online application throughout the process. We hope that the number of applications next year will be even greater than this year."

The Shanghai government's efforts to improve the application process for APEC cards are helping to facilitate overseas business for companies in the city, aiming to promote Shanghai's high-level opening up and high-quality development.