The national capital intends to adopt "pro-merchant" policies to improve the local investment environment this year, according to Zhang Mao, vice-mayor of Beijing.

While addressing the city's work conference on foreign trade and economic cooperation, Zhang said that Beijing has establish a special coordination department headed by Mayor Liu Qi to better serve overseas-funded enterprises.

He said the city will step up measures to simplify the procedures needed for foreign investors to open businesses in Beijing, and will adopt new favorable policies to encourage overseas investment.

A network of centers to handle complaints from overseas-funded ventures also will be established.