Core Insights - The article highlights the innovative approach taken by the Jinan Free Trade Zone in Shandong to open credit regulatory data to platform enterprises, significantly enhancing the efficiency of merchant payment processes and improving the business environment [2][4]. Group 1: Data Utilization and Innovation - The Jinan Free Trade Zone has initiated a pilot program to open credit regulatory data to platform enterprises, marking the establishment of the first credit regulatory data open zone in the country [2]. - The approach aims to transform dormant government database credit information into a powerful driver for enhancing service efficiency and optimizing the business environment [2][4]. - The data is shared under a model that ensures data security and privacy, allowing compliant payment platform enterprises to access critical credit regulatory data for individual businesses [2][3]. Group 2: Impact on Merchant Operations - The new system has reduced the merchant qualification verification time from several days to as little as 15 seconds, enabling quicker access to payment codes that support foreign card transactions [3]. - Individual businesses can now quickly open payment codes by filling out basic information online, significantly reducing the need for paper documentation [3][4]. - The initiative has led to a rise in the number of merchants accepting foreign cards, enhancing the shopping experience for international visitors in Jinan [3][4]. Group 3: Economic Development and Support for Small Enterprises - The pilot program has identified 159,000 businesses with operational anomalies and 137,000 businesses with serious violations, allowing for better risk management [5]. - The Jinan Free Trade Zone is exploring the application of credit regulatory data in supporting small and micro-enterprise financing, addressing long-standing challenges in accessing capital [5]. - The initiative reflects a commitment to digital inclusive finance and aligns with national strategies to expand openness and attract foreign investment [5].