Foreign players have found China’s complex legislative and political system difficult to navigate, especially if they do not have a local partner. To meet central-government development targets, local governments may provide incentives to attract more foreign investment to their region. Local regulators may deduct taxes, coordinate with real estate developers to reduce or eliminate rent, offer discount utility fees, speed up approval processes, or help companies find local suppliers and secure loans. In exchange for these measures, local governments sometimes ask foreign retailers to open more stores or establish regional headquarters in the area. In general, such negotiations may be more difficult in larger cities, where the local government has a greater choice of foreign direct investment options.