As an S.E.Z., Shantou takes priority from Guangdong government to control and manage all economic affairs. The Shantou Enterprise Investment Administration and Service Center provides simplified business service for foreign-funded projects in Shantou.
In Shantou, the authorities concerning foreign investment, customs, commodity inspection, taxation and foreign exchange control have accomplished computerized office system and built an e-port together. Therefore, enterprises can go through procedures by e-port such as applying for inspection to the Commodity Inspection Bureau or declaration to the Customs so as to facilitate the enterprises in import and export business. The speed of going through formalities in Shantou ranks the fourth in China while the second in Guangdong Province.