Periodically I check out what's new at China business success stories and a few days ago I came across an informative piece there on Starting a Business in China.

The article looks at the legal requirements involved and the process you go through. It also provides you with the costs involved in getting the various certificates and documents you'd need to get a business up and running. For example, the fee to obtain pre-approval for your new company's name is 80 yuan.

The article is among the most helpful I've ever seen if you are considering starting a business. It includes timetables to let you know how long steps in the process take.

Some of the requirements may seem novel to outsiders unfamiliar with the process. For example, you must have a company seal made, and you have to obtain permission from the police department before you get the seal made.

It's a fascinating article if you have any thoughts of starting up inside China...