Hongkou District officially unveiled the "Implementation List of Measures to Promote High-Quality Development of the Catering Industry" on September 12 during a policy presentation aimed at fostering the sector's growth.
The Shanghai catering industry has faced significant challenges over the past year due to fluctuating consumer confidence and rising operational costs.
In response, the district's Commerce Committee, in collaboration with the Development and Reform Commission and the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, developed a comprehensive list of 20 measures to bolster the industry.
These measures align with city-level policies and focus on five key areas: financial support, business expansion, regulatory flexibility, service guarantees, and enhancing statistical inclusion.
Notable initiatives include support for local events, resource sharing among catering enterprises, guidance for businesses to meet regulatory standards, and increased assistance for new headquarters-based chain restaurants.
Importantly, the implementation list specifies that businesses violating the Environmental Protection Law are excluded from these measures, reflecting a commitment to enhancing service quality while maintaining regulatory compliance.
During the meeting, officials discussed how these measures aim to alleviate the operational burdens on catering enterprises and enhance financial support.
Interactive discussions with industry representatives highlighted the need for creating platforms that leverage existing resources.
To ensure the effective dissemination of these policies, the district plans to actively organize initiatives that help catering businesses understand the new guidelines and application processes.
Looking ahead, Hongkou will remain responsive to changes in the external environment, adjusting the policy framework as necessary to meet the unique needs of the catering industry, the district government said.
The approach aims to provide certainty amid market volatility, fostering the high-quality development of the sector.