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黔南布依族苗族自治州旅游发展条例

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黔南布依族苗族自治州旅游发展条例

贵州省黔南布依族苗族自治州人大


黔南布依族苗族自治州旅游发展条例

  (2011年3月2日黔南布依族苗族自治州第十二届人民代表大会第六次会议通过 2011年7月29日贵州省第十一届人民代表大会常务委员会第二十三次会议批准)



  第一条 为了保护和合理开发利用旅游资源,促进旅游业持续发展,根据《中华人民共和国民族区域自治法》以及有关法律、法规的规定,结合自治州实际,制定本条例。
  第二条 在自治州行政区域内发展旅游业,旅游规划、旅游资源保护、旅游经营和旅游活动以及相关的监督管理,适用本条例。
  第三条 发展旅游业应当遵循政府主导、社会参与、多元投资、市场运作的原则,坚持旅游资源开发利用与有效保护相结合,经济效益、社会效益和生态效益相统一,突出地方特点和民族特色。
  第四条 州、县两级人民政府应当将旅游业纳入国民经济和社会发展规划和年度计划,作为支柱产业培育发展。
  第五条 州、县两级人民政府应当设立旅游发展专项资金,列入财政预算,根据旅游业发展需要逐步增加。
  鼓励企业事业单位、社会团体和个人捐资发展旅游业。捐赠资金按有关法律、法规的规定享受税费优惠,并列入旅游发展专项资金进行管理和使用。
  旅游发展专项资金设立专户,实行专款专用。
  第六条 州、县两级人民政府应当加强对旅游业发展的领导,建立综合协调机制,制定旅游发展政策和措施,督促旅游发展重大事项的执行。
  第七条 州、县两级人民政府旅游行政主管部门,负责本行政区域内的旅游管理、监督和服务工作,其主要职责:
  (一)负责旅游综合协调具体工作;
  (二)组织旅游资源普查,编制旅游发展规划、旅游重点项目规划和旅游线路规划;
  (三)组织实施旅游市场开发和宣传促销;
  (四)制定和实施旅游人才培训计划;
  (五)按照旅游发展规划和旅游重点项目规划,组织实施旅游发展专项资金的使用;
  (六)规范旅游企业及从业人员合法经营和服务行为,维护旅游市场秩序,受理旅游者投诉,指导旅游行业诚信体系建设;
  (七)监督和检查旅游服务设施和服务质量;
  (八)负责旅游安全的综合协调和监督管理,指导应急救援工作;
  (九)推进旅游发展信息化建设。
  第八条 州、县两级人民政府发改、财政、规划、交通、住房和城乡建设、公安、文化、民族宗教、卫生、农业、林业、水利、国土、环保等有关部门应当按照各自的职责,促进旅游业的可持续发展。
  第九条 州、县两级人民政府旅游行政主管部门应当建立旅游信息网络管理系统、假日旅游预报制度和旅游警示信息发布制度,向公众发布相关旅游信息。在机场、车站、码头、广场、景区(点)、旅游集散中心等游客相对集中的场所设置旅游信息多媒体,为旅游者提供咨询服务。
  广播、电视、报刊、政府门户网站等公共媒体应当开设旅游栏目,开展旅游公益宣传,为游客提供交通、气象等信息服务。
  第十条 旅游发展规划应当坚持旅游资源的保护与合理开发相结合,因地制宜、低碳环保,突出自然遗产、非物质文化遗产和地质景观、绿色生态特点,发挥地方民族文化多样性和自然环境生态优势,整合旅游资源要素,提升旅游品牌档次,明确旅游整体形象和旅游文化宣传推介主题,参与跨区域旅游合作与发展。
  城市建设总体规划、土地利用规划、基础设施规划、村镇规划的编制和调整应当与旅游发展规划相互衔接。
  第十一条 旅游交通线路及配套的服务功能设施应当纳入城乡交通路网统一规划建设。城镇交通线路和站点的设置应当兼顾沿线的旅游设施和景区(点)的旅游功能。
  编制景区(点)外联道路建设规划、旅游客运线路和站点规划,应当听取旅游行政主管部门的意见。
  第十二条 州、县两级人民政府有关部门应当加强旅游城镇和旅游资源富集地区的供电、给排水、通信、环保、卫生、绿化、消防、水利等旅游服务功能和相关旅游配套基础设施建设。
  第十三条 州、县两级人民政府应当根据旅游发展规划,预留旅游项目建设用地指标;重点旅游项目建设用地应当纳入年度用地计划指标优先安排。
  第十四条 新建、改建、扩建旅游项目,应当符合旅游发展规划,与当地民族特色、历史风貌和自然环境相协调,并依法进行环境影响评价,制定水土保持和景观保护方案,配套建设必要的污染物处理设施。
  第十五条 州、县两级人民政府鼓励利用自然遗产、非物质文化遗产等资源,开发独具特色和具有历史文化内涵的旅游产品。
  第十六条 州、县两级人民政府对条件成熟的旅游景区(点),可以经营权、项目特许经营权、收费抵押权等入股、融资,合资、合作开发旅游景区。但法律、法规禁止的除外。
  任何单位或者个人在取得旅游景区土地使用权之日起,2年内无正当理由未进行开发经营的,其土地使用权由原批准机关无条件收回。
  鼓励投资开发旅游资源,对建设旅游开发区、重点旅游景区和从事经营活动的单位和个人给予政策优惠和扶持。
  第十七条 州、县两级人民政府有关部门对旅游景区、宾馆在用水、用电、用气方面执行一般工业企业的同等价格,在固定电话通信、电视收视等收费上给予优惠。
  旅游定点车辆在旅游淡季节期间可以报停,报停期间按照规定减免有关费用。
  第十八条 各级人民政府鼓励在遵循旅游规划的前提下,利用民族村寨、名村古镇、田园林园、人文景观等资源,开展具有地方特点和民族特色的乡村旅游。
  对农家乐和度假山庄等旅游项目,在土地利用计划指标、基础设施配套等方面给予政策扶持。
  农村集体经济组织可以利用农村集体土地、村民可以利用承包土地使用权入股参与旅游经营。
  第十九条 州、县两级人民政府旅游行政主管部门应当帮助、引导旅行社、旅游景区(点)、宾馆、饭店、乡村旅舍、农家乐、度假山庄等旅游经营者和旅游从业人员提高服务质量,并对其服务质量进行等级评定和复核。
  第二十条 举办节庆、赛事、会展等活动,各级人民政府旅游行政主管部门根据游客住宿需要,鼓励居民、村民利用家庭住房自愿提供住宿服务。
  第二十一条 州、县两级人民政府制定优惠政策,鼓励和支持公民、法人和其他组织开发经营具有民族特色、地方特点的旅游商品、特色餐饮、娱乐项目。
  第二十二条 旅游景区(点)票价的制定和调整,按照国家和省的有关规定执行,由价格部门核定并向社会公布;票价可以实行淡旺季节差价,对老年人、现役军人、残疾人、学生等特殊人群按照有关规定实行减免。
  第二十三条 州、县两级人民政府应当建立旅游人力资源开发管理机制,加强大专院校旅游专业建设,发展旅游职业教育,促进旅游人才的培养和交流。
  鼓励州内自然遗产知识和非物质文化遗产知识以及民族文化进校园。
  第二十四条 各级人民政府有关部门以及旅游行业协会和旅游经营者应当加强对旅游从业人员的职业培训,提高旅游服务质量。
  第二十五条 州、县两级人民政府应当合理安排旅游景区居民的生产生活,引导和扶持景区失地农民从事旅游开发和经营活动,并优先安排在景区就业。
  第二十六条 各级人民政府及其有关部门依法保护旅游经营者的自主经营权,按照有关规定给予贴息贷款、规费减免等资金扶持,对违反法律、法规规定的收费、摊派和检查等行为进行查处。
  第二十七条 旅游经营者必须严格执行国家有关旅游安全规定,建立健全安全生产制度,制定旅游突发事件应急预案;对旅游活动中可能危及人身、财产安全的情况,应当预先向旅游者做出说明或者明确警示,并采取相应措施防止危害的发生。
  组织漂流、探险等有危险的特殊旅游活动,应当按照国家有关规定办理审批手续。
  第二十八条 旅游经营者应当公开服务项目、内容和收费标准,明码标价。禁止强行出售联票、套票。
  第二十九条 禁止在世界自然遗产地和国家级风景名胜区、自然保护区、森林公园、地质公园等从事矿产资源以及其他污染和破坏生态环境的开发活动。
  第三十条 任何单位和个人不得在景区(点)及其服务区擅自摆摊、圈地、搭建建筑物,影响景观和妨碍游览。
  不得尾随、纠缠、诱骗、胁迫旅游者购买商品、接受有偿服务。
  第三十一条 旅游者应当遵守法律、法规和社会公德,遵守旅游安全和卫生管理规定,尊重民族风俗习惯和宗教信仰,维护旅游资源和生态环境,爱护古迹、文物和旅游设施。
  第三十二条 旅游市场监管实行联合执法检查制度,由旅游行政主管部门会同工商、公安、文化、卫生、环保等有关部门,依法查处各种非法活动。
  旅游行政主管部门和有关行政执法部门应当建立健全旅游投诉制度,设立并公布投诉电话,及时受理旅游投诉,依法查处旅游经营者和导游人员的违法行为。
  第三十三条 各级人民政府应当对促进旅游发展有突出贡献的单位和个人给予表彰和奖励。
  第三十四条 违反本条例规定有下列行为之一的,由县级以上旅游及有关行政主管部门给予处罚:
  (一)违反第二十七条第一款规定的,责令限期改正;逾期不改正的,责令停业整顿15日至30日,并可处以3000元以上2万元以下罚款;
  (二)违反第二十八条规定的,责令限期改正,没收违法所得,并处违法所得1倍以上5倍以下的罚款;没有违法所得的,处2000元以上1万元以下的罚款。
  第三十五条 旅游行政主管部门和其他有关部门的工作人员玩忽职守、滥用职权、徇私舞弊,尚不构成犯罪的,由其所在单位或者上级有关部门依法给予行政处分。
  第三十六条 违反本条例的其他违法行为,法律、法规有规定的从其规定。
  第三十七条 自治州人民政府可以根据本条例的规定制定具体实施细则。
  第三十八条 本条例自2011年10月1日起施行。



中华人民共和国农业法

全国人民代表大会常务委员会


中华人民共和国主席令(九届第81号)

《中华人民共和国农业法》已由中华人民共和国第九届全国人民代表大会常务委员会第三十一次会议于2002年12月28日修订通过,现将修订后的《中华人民共和国农业法》公布,自2003年3月1日起施行。

中华人民共和国主席 江泽民
2002年12月28日


中华人民共和国农业法

  (1993年7月2日第八届全国人民代表大会常务委员会第二次会议通过

  2002年12月28日第九届全国人民代表大会常务委员会第三十一次会议修订)

  

  目 录

  

  第一章 总 则

  第二章 农业生产经营体制

  第三章 农业生产

  第四章 农产品流通与加工

  第五章 粮食安全

  第六章 农业投入与支持保护

  第七章 农业科技与农业教育

  第八章 农业资源与农业环境保护

  第九章 农民权益保护

  第十章 农村经济发展

  第十一章 执法监督

  第十二章 法律责任

  第十三章 附 则

  

  第一章 总 则

  

  第一条 为了巩固和加强农业在国民经济中的基础地位,深化农村改革,发展农业生产力,推进农业现代化,维护农民和农业生产经营组织的合法权益,增加农民收入,提高农民科学文化素质,促进农业和农村经济的持续、稳定、健康发展,实现全面建设小康社会的目标,制定本法。

  第二条 本法所称农业,是指种植业、林业、畜牧业和渔业等产业,包括与其直接相关的产前、产中、产后服务。

  本法所称农业生产经营组织,是指农村集体经济组织、农民专业合作经济组织、农业企业和其他从事农业生产经营的组织。

  第三条 国家把农业放在发展国民经济的首位。

  农业和农村经济发展的基本目标是:建立适应发展社会主义市场经济要求的农村经济体制,不断解放和发展农村生产力,提高农业的整体素质和效益,确保农产品供应和质量,满足国民经济发展和人口增长、生活改善的需求,提高农民的收入和生活水平,促进农村富余劳动力向非农产业和城镇转移,缩小城乡差别和区域差别,建设富裕、民主、文明的社会主义新农村,逐步实现农业和农村现代化。

  第四条 国家采取措施,保障农业更好地发挥在提供食物、工业原料和其他农产品,维护和改善生态环境,促进农村经济社会发展等多方面的作用。

  第五条 国家坚持和完善公有制为主体、多种所有制经济共同发展的基本经济制度,振兴农村经济。

  国家长期稳定农村以家庭承包经营为基础、统分结合的双层经营体制,发展社会化服务体系,壮大集体经济实力,引导农民走共同富裕的道路。

  国家在农村坚持和完善以按劳分配为主体、多种分配方式并存的分配制度。

  第六条 国家坚持科教兴农和农业可持续发展的方针。

  国家采取措施加强农业和农村基础设施建设,调整、优化农业和农村经济结构,推进农业产业化经营,发展农业科技、教育事业,保护农业生态环境,促进农业机械化和信息化,提高农业综合生产能力。

  第七条 国家保护农民和农业生产经营组织的财产及其他合法权益不受侵犯。

  各级人民政府及其有关部门应当采取措施增加农民收入,切实减轻农民负担。

  第八条 全社会应当高度重视农业,支持农业发展。

  国家对发展农业和农村经济有显著成绩的单位和个人,给予奖励。

  第九条 各级人民政府对农业和农村经济发展工作统一负责,组织各有关部门和全社会做好发展农业和为发展农业服务的各项工作。

  国务院农业行政主管部门主管全国农业和农村经济发展工作,国务院林业行政主管部门和其他有关部门在各自的职责范围内,负责有关的农业和农村经济发展工作。

  县级以上地方人民政府各农业行政主管部门负责本行政区域内的种植业、畜牧业、渔业等农业和农村经济发展工作,林业行政主管部门负责本行政区域内的林业工作。县级以上地方人民政府其他有关部门在各自的职责范围内,负责本行政区域内有关的为农业生产经营服务的工作。

  

  第二章 农业生产经营体制

  

  第十条 国家实行农村土地承包经营制度,依法保障农村土地承包关系的长期稳定,保护农民对承包土地的使用权。

  农村土地承包经营的方式、期限、发包方和承包方的权利义务、土地承包经营权的保护和流转等,适用《中华人民共和国土地管理法》和《中华人民共和国农村土地承包法》。

  农村集体经济组织应当在家庭承包经营的基础上,依法管理集体资产,为其成员提供生产、技术、信息等服务,组织合理开发、利用集体资源,壮大经济实力。

  第十一条 国家鼓励农民在家庭承包经营的基础上自愿组成各类专业合作经济组织。

  农民专业合作经济组织应当坚持为成员服务的宗旨,按照加入自愿、退出自由、民主管理、盈余返还的原则,依法在其章程规定的范围内开展农业生产经营和服务活动。

  农民专业合作经济组织可以有多种形式,依法成立、依法登记。任何组织和个人不得侵犯农民专业合作经济组织的财产和经营自主权。

  第十二条 农民和农业生产经营组织可以自愿按照民主管理、按劳分配和按股分红相结合的原则,以资金、技术、实物等入股,依法兴办各类企业。

  第十三条 国家采取措施发展多种形式的农业产业化经营,鼓励和支持农民和农业生产经营组织发展生产、加工、销售一体化经营。

  国家引导和支持从事农产品生产、加工、流通服务的企业、科研单位和其他组织,通过与农民或者农民专业合作经济组织订立合同或者建立各类企业等形式,形成收益共享、风险共担的利益共同体,推进农业产业化经营,带动农业发展。

  第十四条 农民和农业生产经营组织可以按照法律、行政法规成立各种农产品行业协会,为成员提供生产、营销、信息、技术、培训等服务,发挥协调和自律作用,提出农产品贸易救济措施的申请,维护成员和行业的利益。

  

  第三章 农业生产

  

  第十五条 县级以上人民政府根据国民经济和社会发展的中长期规划、农业和农村经济发展的基本目标和农业资源区划,制定农业发展规划。

  省级以上人民政府农业行政主管部门根据农业发展规划,采取措施发挥区域优势,促进形成合理的农业生产区域布局,指导和协调农业和农村经济结构调整。

  第十六条 国家引导和支持农民和农业生产经营组织结合本地实际按照市场需求,调整和优化农业生产结构,协调发展种植业、林业、畜牧业和渔业,发展优质、高产、高效益的农业,提高农产品国际竞争力。

  种植业以优化品种、提高质量、增加效益为中心,调整作物结构、品种结构和品质结构。

  加强林业生态建设,实施天然林保护、退耕还林和防沙治沙工程,加强防护林体系建设,加速营造速生丰产林、工业原料林和薪炭林。

  加强草原保护和建设,加快发展畜牧业,推广圈养和舍饲,改良畜禽品种,积极发展饲料工业和畜禽产品加工业。

  渔业生产应当保护和合理利用渔业资源,调整捕捞结构,积极发展水产养殖业、远洋渔业和水产品加工业。

  县级以上人民政府应当制定政策,安排资金,引导和支持农业结构调整。

  第十七条 各级人民政府应当采取措施,加强农业综合开发和农田水利、农业生态环境保护、乡村道路、农村能源和电网、农产品仓储和流通、渔港、草原围栏、动植物原种良种基地等农业和农村基础设施建设,改善农业生产条件,保护和提高农业综合生产能力。

  第十八条 国家扶持动植物品种的选育、生产、更新和良种的推广使用,鼓励品种选育和生产、经营相结合,实施种子工程和畜禽良种工程。国务院和省、自治区、直辖市人民政府设立专项资金,用于扶持动植物良种的选育和推广工作。

  第十九条 各级人民政府和农业生产经营组织应当加强农田水利设施建设,建立健全农田水利设施的管理制度,节约用水,发展节水型农业,严格依法控制非农业建设占用灌溉水源,禁止任何组织和个人非法占用或者毁损农田水利设施。

  国家对缺水地区发展节水型农业给予重点扶持。

  第二十条 国家鼓励和支持农民和农业生产经营组织使用先进、适用的农业机械,加强农业机械安全管理,提高农业机械化水平。

  国家对农民和农业生产经营组织购买先进农业机械给予扶持。

  第二十一条 各级人民政府应当支持为农业服务的气象事业的发展,提高对气象灾害的监测和预报水平。

  第二十二条 国家采取措施提高农产品的质量,建立健全农产品质量标准体系和质量检验检测监督体系,按照有关技术规范、操作规程和质量卫生安全标准,组织农产品的生产经营,保障农产品质量安全。

  第二十三条 国家支持依法建立健全优质农产品认证和标志制度。

  国家鼓励和扶持发展优质农产品生产。县级以上地方人民政府应当结合本地情况,按照国家有关规定采取措施,发展优质农产品生产。

  符合国家规定标准的优质农产品可以依照法律或者行政法规的规定申请使用有关的标志。符合规定产地及生产规范要求的农产品可以依照有关法律或者行政法规的规定申请使用农产品地理标志。

  第二十四条 国家实行动植物防疫、检疫制度,健全动植物防疫、检疫体系,加强对动物疫病和植物病、虫、杂草、鼠害的监测、预警、防治,建立重大动物疫情和植物病虫害的快速扑灭机制,建设动物无规定疫病区,实施植物保护工程。

  第二十五条 农药、兽药、饲料和饲料添加剂、肥料、种子、农业机械等可能危害人畜安全的农业生产资料的生产经营,依照相关法律、行政法规的规定实行登记或者许可制度。

  各级人民政府应当建立健全农业生产资料的安全使用制度,农民和农业生产经营组织不得使用国家明令淘汰和禁止使用的农药、兽药、饲料添加剂等农业生产资料和其他禁止使用的产品。

  农业生产资料的生产者、销售者应当对其生产、销售的产品的质量负责,禁止以次充好、以假充真、以不合格的产品冒充合格的产品;禁止生产和销售国家明令淘汰的农药、兽药、饲料添加剂、农业机械等农业生产资料。



第四章 农产品流通与加工

  

  第二十六条 农产品的购销实行市场调节。国家对关系国计民生的重要农产品的购销活动实行必要的宏观调控,建立中央和地方分级储备调节制度,完善仓储运输体系,做到保证供应,稳定市场。

  第二十七条 国家逐步建立统一、开放、竞争、有序的农产品市场体系,制定农产品批发市场发展规划。对农村集体经济组织和农民专业合作经济组织建立农产品批发市场和农产品集贸市场,国家给予扶持。

  县级以上人民政府工商行政管理部门和其他有关部门按照各自的职责,依法管理农产品批发市场,规范交易秩序,防止地方保护与不正当竞争。

  第二十八条 国家鼓励和支持发展多种形式的农产品流通活动。支持农民和农民专业合作经济组织按照国家有关规定从事农产品收购、批发、贮藏、运输、零售和中介活动。鼓励供销合作社和其他从事农产品购销的农业生产经营组织提供市场信息,开拓农产品流通渠道,为农产品销售服务。

  县级以上人民政府应当采取措施,督促有关部门保障农产品运输畅通,降低农产品流通成本。有关行政管理部门应当简化手续,方便鲜活农产品的运输,除法律、行政法规另有规定外,不得扣押鲜活农产品的运输工具。

  第二十九条 国家支持发展农产品加工业和食品工业,增加农产品的附加值。县级以上人民政府应当制定农产品加工业和食品工业发展规划,引导农产品加工企业形成合理的区域布局和规模结构,扶持农民专业合作经济组织和乡镇企业从事农产品加工和综合开发利用。

  国家建立健全农产品加工制品质量标准,完善检测手段,加强农产品加工过程中的质量安全管理和监督,保障食品安全。

  第三十条 国家鼓励发展农产品进出口贸易。

  国家采取加强国际市场研究、提供信息和营销服务等措施,促进农产品出口。

  为维护农产品产销秩序和公平贸易,建立农产品进口预警制度,当某些进口农产品已经或者可能对国内相关农产品的生产造成重大的不利影响时,国家可以采取必要的措施。

  

  第五章 粮食安全

  

  第三十一条 国家采取措施保护和提高粮食综合生产能力,稳步提高粮食生产水平,保障粮食安全。

  国家建立耕地保护制度,对基本农田依法实行特殊保护。

  第三十二条 国家在政策、资金、技术等方面对粮食主产区给予重点扶持,建设稳定的商品粮生产基地,改善粮食收贮及加工设施,提高粮食主产区的粮食生产、加工水平和经济效益。

  国家支持粮食主产区与主销区建立稳定的购销合作关系。

  第三十三条 在粮食的市场价格过低时,国务院可以决定对部分粮食品种实行保护价制度。保护价应当根据有利于保护农民利益、稳定粮食生产的原则确定。

  农民按保护价制度出售粮食,国家委托的收购单位不得拒收。

  县级以上人民政府应当组织财政、金融等部门以及国家委托的收购单位及时筹足粮食收购资金,任何部门、单位或者个人不得截留或者挪用。

  第三十四条 国家建立粮食安全预警制度,采取措施保障粮食供给。国务院应当制定粮食安全保障目标与粮食储备数量指标,并根据需要组织有关主管部门进行耕地、粮食库存情况的核查。

  国家对粮食实行中央和地方分级储备调节制度,建设仓储运输体系。承担国家粮食储备任务的企业应当按照国家规定保证储备粮的数量和质量。

  第三十五条 国家建立粮食风险基金,用于支持粮食储备、稳定粮食市场和保护农民利益。

  第三十六条 国家提倡珍惜和节约粮食,并采取措施改善人民的食物营养结构。

  

  第六章 农业投入与支持保护

  

  第三十七条 国家建立和完善农业支持保护体系,采取财政投入、税收优惠、金融支持等措施,从资金投入、科研与技术推广、教育培训、农业生产资料供应、市场信息、质量标准、检验检疫、社会化服务以及灾害救助等方面扶持农民和农业生产经营组织发展农业生产,提高农民的收入水平。

  在不与我国缔结或加入的有关国际条约相抵触的情况下,国家对农民实施收入支持政策,具体办法由国务院制定。

  第三十八条 国家逐步提高农业投入的总体水平。中央和县级以上地方财政每年对农业总投入的增长幅度应当高于其财政经常性收入的增长幅度。

  各级人民政府在财政预算内安排的各项用于农业的资金应当主要用于:加强农业基础设施建设;支持农业结构调整,促进农业产业化经营;保护粮食综合生产能力,保障国家粮食安全;健全动植物检疫、防疫体系,加强动物疫病和植物病、虫、杂草、鼠害防治;建立健全农产品质量标准和检验检测监督体系、农产品市场及信息服务体系;支持农业科研教育、农业技术推广和农民培训;加强农业生态环境保护建设;扶持贫困地区发展;保障农民收入水平等。

  县级以上各级财政用于种植业、林业、畜牧业、渔业、农田水利的农业基本建设投入应当统筹安排,协调增长。

  国家为加快西部开发,增加对西部地区农业发展和生态环境保护的投入。

  第三十九条 县级以上人民政府每年财政预算内安排的各项用于农业的资金应当及时足额拨付。各级人民政府应当加强对国家各项农业资金分配、使用过程的监督管理,保证资金安全,提高资金的使用效率。

  任何单位和个人不得截留、挪用用于农业的财政资金和信贷资金。审计机关应当依法加强对用于农业的财政和信贷等资金的审计监督。

  第四十条 国家运用税收、价格、信贷等手段,鼓励和引导农民和农业生产经营组织增加农业生产经营性投入和小型农田水利等基本建设投入。

  国家鼓励和支持农民和农业生产经营组织在自愿的基础上依法采取多种形式,筹集农业资金。

  第四十一条 国家鼓励社会资金投向农业,鼓励企业事业单位、社会团体和个人捐资设立各种农业建设和农业科技、教育基金。

  国家采取措施,促进农业扩大利用外资。

  第四十二条 各级人民政府应当鼓励和支持企业事业单位及其他各类经济组织开展农业信息服务。

  县级以上人民政府农业行政主管部门及其他有关部门应当建立农业信息搜集、整理和发布制度,及时向农民和农业生产经营组织提供市场信息等服务。

  第四十三条 国家鼓励和扶持农用工业的发展。

  国家采取税收、信贷等手段鼓励和扶持农业生产资料的生产和贸易,为农业生产稳定增长提供物质保障。

  国家采取宏观调控措施,使化肥、农药、农用薄膜、农业机械和农用柴油等主要农业生产资料和农产品之间保持合理的比价。

  第四十四条 国家鼓励供销合作社、农村集体经济组织、农民专业合作经济组织、其他组织和个人发展多种形式的农业生产产前、产中、产后的社会化服务事业。县级以上人民政府及其各有关部门应当采取措施对农业社会化服务事业给予支持。

  对跨地区从事农业社会化服务的,农业、工商管理、交通运输、公安等有关部门应当采取措施给予支持。

  第四十五条 国家建立健全农村金融体系,加强农村信用制度建设,加强农村金融监管。

  有关金融机构应当采取措施增加信贷投入,改善农村金融服务,对农民和农业生产经营组织的农业生产经营活动提供信贷支持。

  农村信用合作社应当坚持为农业、农民和农村经济发展服务的宗旨,优先为当地农民的生产经营活动提供信贷服务。

  国家通过贴息等措施,鼓励金融机构向农民和农业生产经营组织的农业生产经营活动提供贷款。

  第四十六条 国家建立和完善农业保险制度。

  国家逐步建立和完善政策性农业保险制度。鼓励和扶持农民和农业生产经营组织建立为农业生产经营活动服务的互助合作保险组织,鼓励商业性保险公司开展农业保险业务。

  农业保险实行自愿原则。任何组织和个人不得强制农民和农业生产经营组织参加农业保险。

  第四十七条 各级人民政府应当采取措施,提高农业防御自然灾害的能力,做好防灾、抗灾和救灾工作,帮助灾民恢复生产,组织生产自救,开展社会互助互济;对没有基本生活保障的灾民给予救济和扶持。

  

  第七章 农业科技与农业教育

  

  第四十八条 国务院和省级人民政府应当制定农业科技、农业教育发展规划,发展农业科技、教育事业。

  县级以上人民政府应当按照国家有关规定逐步增加农业科技经费和农业教育经费。

  国家鼓励、吸引企业等社会力量增加农业科技投入,鼓励农民、农业生产经营组织、企业事业单位等依法举办农业科技、教育事业。

  第四十九条 国家保护植物新品种、农产品地理标志等知识产权,鼓励和引导农业科研、教育单位加强农业科学技术的基础研究和应用研究,传播和普及农业科学技术知识,加速科技成果转化与产业化,促进农业科学技术进步。

  国务院有关部门应当组织农业重大关键技术的科技攻关。国家采取措施促进国际农业科技、教育合作与交流,鼓励引进国外先进技术。

  第五十条 国家扶持农业技术推广事业,建立政府扶持和市场引导相结合,有偿与无偿服务相结合,国家农业技术推广机构和社会力量相结合的农业技术推广体系,促使先进的农业技术尽快应用于农业生产。

  第五十一条 国家设立的农业技术推广机构应当以农业技术试验示范基地为依托,承担公共所需的关键性技术的推广和示范工作,为农民和农业生产经营组织提供公益性农业技术服务。

  县级以上人民政府应当根据农业生产发展需要,稳定和加强农业技术推广队伍,保障农业技术推广机构的工作经费。

  各级人民政府应当采取措施,按照国家规定保障和改善从事农业技术推广工作的专业科技人员的工作条件、工资待遇和生活条件,鼓励他们为农业服务。

  第五十二条 农业科研单位、有关学校、农业技术推广机构以及科技人员,根据农民和农业生产经营组织的需要,可以提供无偿服务,也可以通过技术转让、技术服务、技术承包、技术入股等形式,提供有偿服务,取得合法收益。农业科研单位、有关学校、农业技术推广机构以及科技人员应当提高服务水平,保证服务质量。

  对农业科研单位、有关学校、农业技术推广机构举办的为农业服务的企业,国家在税收、信贷等方面给予优惠。

  国家鼓励农民、农民专业合作经济组织、供销合作社、企业事业单位等参与农业技术推广工作。

  第五十三条 国家建立农业专业技术人员继续教育制度。县级以上人民政府农业行政主管部门会同教育、人事等有关部门制定农业专业技术人员继续教育计划,并组织实施。

  第五十四条 国家在农村依法实施义务教育,并保障义务教育经费。国家在农村举办的普通中小学校教职工工资由县级人民政府按照国家规定统一发放,校舍等教学设施的建设和维护经费由县级人民政府按照国家规定统一安排。

  第五十五条 国家发展农业职业教育。国务院有关部门按照国家职业资格证书制度的统一规定,开展农业行业的职业分类、职业技能鉴定工作,管理农业行业的职业资格证书。

  第五十六条 国家采取措施鼓励农民采用先进的农业技术,支持农民举办各种科技组织,开展农业实用技术培训、农民绿色证书培训和其他就业培训,提高农民的文化技术素质。



第八章 农业资源与农业环境保护

  

  第五十七条 发展农业和农村经济必须合理利用和保护土地、水、森林、草原、野生动植物等自然资源,合理开发和利用水能、沼气、太阳能、风能等可再生能源和清洁能源,发展生态农业,保护和改善生态环境。

  县级以上人民政府应当制定农业资源区划或者农业资源合理利用和保护的区划,建立农业资源监测制度。

  第五十八条 农民和农业生产经营组织应当保养耕地,合理使用化肥、农药、农用薄膜,增加使用有机肥料,采用先进技术,保护和提高地力,防止农用地的污染、破坏和地力衰退。

  县级以上人民政府农业行政主管部门应当采取措施,支持农民和农业生产经营组织加强耕地质量建设,并对耕地质量进行定期监测。

  第五十九条 各级人民政府应当采取措施,加强小流域综合治理,预防和治理水土流失。从事可能引起水土流失的生产建设活动的单位和个人,必须采取预防措施,并负责治理因生产建设活动造成的水土流失。

  各级人民政府应当采取措施,预防土地沙化,治理沙化土地。国务院和沙化土地所在地区的县级以上地方人民政府应当按照法律规定制定防沙治沙规划,并组织实施。

  第六十条 国家实行全民义务植树制度。各级人民政府应当采取措施,组织群众植树造林,保护林地和林木,预防森林火灾,防治森林病虫害,制止滥伐、盗伐林木,提高森林覆盖率。

  国家在天然林保护区域实行禁伐或者限伐制度,加强造林护林。

  第六十一条 有关地方人民政府,应当加强草原的保护、建设和管理,指导、组织农(牧)民和农(牧)业生产经营组织建设人工草场、饲草饲料基地和改良天然草原,实行以草定畜,控制载畜量,推行划区轮牧、休牧和禁牧制度,保护草原植被,防止草原退化沙化和盐渍化。

  第六十二条 禁止毁林毁草开垦、烧山开垦以及开垦国家禁止开垦的陡坡地,已经开垦的应当逐步退耕还林、还草。

  禁止围湖造田以及围垦国家禁止围垦的湿地。已经围垦的,应当逐步退耕还湖、还湿地。

  对在国务院批准规划范围内实施退耕的农民,应当按照国家规定予以补助。

  第六十三条 各级人民政府应当采取措施,依法执行捕捞限额和禁渔、休渔制度,增殖渔业资源,保护渔业水域生态环境。

  国家引导、支持从事捕捞业的农(渔)民和农(渔)业生产经营组织从事水产养殖业或者其他职业,对根据当地人民政府统一规划转产转业的农(渔)民,应当按照国家规定予以补助。

  第六十四条 国家建立与农业生产有关的生物物种资源保护制度,保护生物多样性,对稀有、濒危、珍贵生物资源及其原生地实行重点保护。从境外引进生物物种资源应当依法进行登记或者审批,并采取相应安全控制措施。

  农业转基因生物的研究、试验、生产、加工、经营及其他应用,必须依照国家规定严格实行各项安全控制措施。

  第六十五条 各级农业行政主管部门应当引导农民和农业生产经营组织采取生物措施或者使用高效低毒低残留农药、兽药,防治动植物病、虫、杂草、鼠害。

  农产品采收后的秸秆及其他剩余物质应当综合利用,妥善处理,防止造成环境污染和生态破坏。

  从事畜禽等动物规模养殖的单位和个人应当对粪便、废水及其他废弃物进行无害化处理或者综合利用,从事水产养殖的单位和个人应当合理投饵、施肥、使用药物,防止造成环境污染和生态破坏。

  第六十六条 县级以上人民政府应当采取措施,督促有关单位进行治理,防治废水、废气和固体废弃物对农业生态环境的污染。排放废水、废气和固体废弃物造成农业生态环境污染事故的,由环境保护行政主管部门或者农业行政主管部门依法调查处理;给农民和农业生产经营组织造成损失的,有关责任者应当依法赔偿。

  

  第九章 农民权益保护

  

  第六十七条 任何机关或者单位向农民或者农业生产经营组织收取行政、事业性费用必须依据法律、法规的规定。收费的项目、范围和标准应当公布。没有法律、法规依据的收费,农民和农业生产经营组织有权拒绝。

  任何机关或者单位对农民或者农业生产经营组织进行罚款处罚必须依据法律、法规、规章的规定。没有法律、法规、规章依据的罚款,农民和农业生产经营组织有权拒绝。

  任何机关或者单位不得以任何方式向农民或者农业生产经营组织进行摊派。除法律、法规另有规定外,任何机关或者单位以任何方式要求农民或者农业生产经营组织提供人力、财力、物力的,属于摊派。农民和农业生产经营组织有权拒绝任何方式的摊派。

  第六十八条 各级人民政府及其有关部门和所属单位不得以任何方式向农民或者农业生产经营组织集资。

  没有法律、法规依据或者未经国务院批准,任何机关或者单位不得在农村进行任何形式的达标、升级、验收活动。

  第六十九条 农民和农业生产经营组织依照法律、行政法规的规定承担纳税义务。税务机关及代扣、代收税款的单位应当依法征税,不得违法摊派税款及以其他违法方法征税。

  第七十条 农村义务教育除按国务院规定收取的费用外,不得向农民和学生收取其他费用。禁止任何机关或者单位通过农村中小学校向农民收费。

  第七十一条 国家依法征用农民集体所有的土地,应当保护农民和农村集体经济组织的合法权益,依法给予农民和农村集体经济组织征地补偿,任何单位和个人不得截留、挪用征地补偿费用。

  第七十二条 各级人民政府、农村集体经济组织或者村民委员会在农业和农村经济结构调整、农业产业化经营和土地承包经营权流转等过程中,不得侵犯农民的土地承包经营权,不得干涉农民自主安排的生产经营项目,不得强迫农民购买指定的生产资料或者按指定的渠道销售农产品。

  第七十三条 农村集体经济组织或者村民委员会为发展生产或者兴办公益事业,需要向其成员(村民)筹资筹劳的,应当经成员(村民)会议或者成员(村民)代表会议过半数通过后,方可进行。

  农村集体经济组织或者村民委员会依照前款规定筹资筹劳的,不得超过省级以上人民政府规定的上限控制标准,禁止强行以资代劳。

  农村集体经济组织和村民委员会对涉及农民利益的重要事项,应当向农民公开,并定期公布财务账目,接受农民的监督。

  第七十四条 任何单位和个人向农民或者农业生产经营组织提供生产、技术、信息、文化、保险等有偿服务,必须坚持自愿原则,不得强迫农民和农业生产经营组织接受服务。

  第七十五条 农产品收购单位在收购农产品时,不得压级压价,不得在支付的价款中扣缴任何费用。法律、行政法规规定代扣、代收税款的,依照法律、行政法规的规定办理。

  农产品收购单位与农产品销售者因农产品的质量等级发生争议的,可以委托具有法定资质的农产品质量检验机构检验。

  第七十六条 农业生产资料使用者因生产资料质量问题遭受损失的,出售该生产资料的经营者应当予以赔偿,赔偿额包括购货价款、有关费用和可得利益损失。

  第七十七条 农民或者农业生产经营组织为维护自身的合法权益,有向各级人民政府及其有关部门反映情况和提出合法要求的权利,人民政府及其有关部门对农民或者农业生产经营组织提出的合理要求,应当按照国家规定及时给予答复。

  第七十八条 违反法律规定,侵犯农民权益的,农民或者农业生产经营组织可以依法申请行政复议或者向人民法院提起诉讼,有关人民政府及其有关部门或者人民法院应当依法受理。

  人民法院和司法行政主管机关应当依照有关规定为农民提供法律援助。



第十章 农村经济发展

  

  第七十九条 国家坚持城乡协调发展的方针,扶持农村第二、第三产业发展,调整和优化农村经济结构,增加农民收入,促进农村经济全面发展,逐步缩小城乡差别。

  第八十条 各级人民政府应当采取措施,发展乡镇企业,支持农业的发展,转移富余的农业劳动力。

  国家完善乡镇企业发展的支持措施,引导乡镇企业优化结构,更新技术,提高素质。

  第八十一条 县级以上地方人民政府应当根据当地的经济发展水平、区位优势和资源条件,按照合理布局、科学规划、节约用地的原则,有重点地推进农村小城镇建设。

  地方各级人民政府应当注重运用市场机制,完善相应政策,吸引农民和社会资金投资小城镇开发建设,发展第二、第三产业,引导乡镇企业相对集中发展。

  第八十二条 国家采取措施引导农村富余劳动力在城乡、地区间合理有序流动。地方各级人民政府依法保护进入城镇就业的农村劳动力的合法权益,不得设置不合理限制,已经设置的应当取消。

  第八十三条 国家逐步完善农村社会救济制度,保障农村五保户、贫困残疾农民、贫困老年农民和其他丧失劳动能力的农民的基本生活。

  第八十四条 国家鼓励、支持农民巩固和发展农村合作医疗和其他医疗保障形式,提高农民健康水平。

  第八十五条 国家扶持贫困地区改善经济发展条件,帮助进行经济开发。省级人民政府根据国家关于扶持贫困地区的总体目标和要求,制定扶贫开发规划,并组织实施。

  各级人民政府应当坚持开发式扶贫方针,组织贫困地区的农民和农业生产经营组织合理使用扶贫资金,依靠自身力量改变贫穷落后面貌,引导贫困地区的农民调整经济结构、开发当地资源。扶贫开发应当坚持与资源保护、生态建设相结合,促进贫困地区经济、社会的协调发展和全面进步。

  第八十六条 中央和省级财政应当把扶贫开发投入列入年度财政预算,并逐年增加,加大对贫困地区的财政转移支付和建设资金投入。

  国家鼓励和扶持金融机构、其他企业事业单位和个人投入资金支持贫困地区开发建设。

  禁止任何单位和个人截留、挪用扶贫资金。审计机关应当加强扶贫资金的审计监督。

  

  第十一章 执法监督

  

  第八十七条 县级以上人民政府应当采取措施逐步完善适应社会主义市场经济发展要求的农业行政管理体制。

  县级以上人民政府农业行政主管部门和有关行政主管部门应当加强规划、指导、管理、协调、监督、服务职责,依法行政,公正执法。

  县级以上地方人民政府农业行政主管部门应当在其职责范围内健全行政执法队伍,实行综合执法,提高执法效率和水平。

  第八十八条 县级以上人民政府农业行政主管部门及其执法人员履行执法监督检查职责时,有权采取下列措施:

  (一)要求被检查单位或者个人说明情况,提供有关文件、证照、资料;

  (二)责令被检查单位或者个人停止违反本法的行为,履行法定义务。

  农业行政执法人员在履行监督检查职责时,应当向被检查单位或者个人出示行政执法证件,遵守执法程序。有关单位或者个人应当配合农业行政执法人员依法执行职务,不得拒绝和阻碍。

  第八十九条 农业行政主管部门与农业生产、经营单位必须在机构、人员、财务上彻底分离。农业行政主管部门及其工作人员不得参与和从事农业生产经营活动。

  

  第十二章 法律责任

  

  第九十条 违反本法规定,侵害农民和农业生产经营组织的土地承包经营权等财产权或者其他合法权益的,应当停止侵害,恢复原状;造成损失、损害的,依法承担赔偿责任。

  国家工作人员利用职务便利或者以其他名义侵害农民和农业生产经营组织的合法权益的,应当赔偿损失,并由其所在单位或者上级主管机关给予行政处分。

  第九十一条 违反本法第十九条、第二十五条、第六十二条、第七十一条规定的,依照相关法律或者行政法规的规定予以处罚。

  第九十二条 有下列行为之一的,由上级主管机关责令限期归还被截留、挪用的资金,没收非法所得,并由上级主管机关或者所在单位给予直接负责的主管人员和其他直接责任人员行政处分;构成犯罪的,依法追究刑事责任:

  (一)违反本法第三十三条第三款规定,截留、挪用粮食收购资金的;

  (二)违反本法第三十九条第二款规定,截留、挪用用于农业的财政资金和信贷资金的;

  (三)违反本法第八十六条第三款规定,截留、挪用扶贫资金的。

  第九十三条 违反本法第六十七条规定,向农民或者农业生产经营组织违法收费、罚款、摊派的,上级主管机关应当予以制止,并予公告;已经收取钱款或者已经使用人力、物力的,由上级主管机关责令限期归还已经收取的钱款或者折价偿还已经使用的人力、物力,并由上级主管机关或者所在单位给予直接负责的主管人员和其他直接责任人员行政处分;情节严重,构成犯罪的,依法追究刑事责任。

  第九十四条 有下列行为之一的,由上级主管机关责令停止违法行为,并给予直接负责的主管人员和其他直接责任人员行政处分,责令退还违法收取的集资款、税款或者费用:

  (一)违反本法第六十八条规定,非法在农村进行集资、达标、升级、验收活动的;

  (二)违反本法第六十九条规定,以违法方法向农民征税的;

  (三)违反本法第七十条规定,通过农村中小学校向农民超额、超项目收费的。

  第九十五条 违反本法第七十三条第二款规定,强迫农民以资代劳的,由乡(镇)人民政府责令改正,并退还违法收取的资金。

  第九十六条 违反本法第七十四条规定,强迫农民和农业生产经营组织接受有偿服务的,由有关人民政府责令改正,并返还其违法收取的费用;情节严重的,给予直接负责的主管人员和其他直接责任人员行政处分;造成农民和农业生产经营组织损失的,依法承担赔偿责任。

  第九十七条 县级以上人民政府农业行政主管部门的工作人员违反本法规定参与和从事农业生产经营活动的,依法给予行政处分;构成犯罪的,依法追究刑事责任。

  

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中国加入工作组报告书(英文本)

世界贸易组织法律文件



REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY

ON THE ACCESSION OF CHINA



TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION 1
1. Documentation Provided 1
2. Introductory Statements 1
II. ECONOMIC POLICIES 3
1. Non-Discrimination (including national treatment) 3
2. Monetary and Fiscal Policy 5
3. Foreign Exchange and Payments 5
4. Balance-of-Payments Measures 7
5. Investment Regime 8
6. State-Owned and State-Invested Enterprises 8
7. Pricing Policies 10
8. Competition Policy 12
III. FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING AND ENFORCING POLICIES 12
1. Structure and Powers of the Government 12
2. Authority of Sub-National Governments 13
3. Uniform Administration of the Trade Regime 14
4. Judicial Review 14
IV. POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE IN GOODS 15
A. TRADING RIGHTS 15
1. General 15
2. Designated Trading 17
B. IMPORT REGULATION 17
1. Ordinary Customs Duties 17
2. Other Duties and Charges 19
3. Rules of Origin 19
4. Fees and Charges for Services Rendered 19
5. Application of Internal Taxes to Imports 19
6. Tariff Exemptions 20
7. Tariff Rate Quotas 21
8. Quantitative Import Restrictions, including Prohibitions and Quotas 23
9. Import Licensing 26
10. Customs Valuation 27
11. Other Customs Formalities 28
12. Preshipment Inspection 28
13. Anti-Dumping, Countervailing Duties 29
14. Safeguards 31
C. EXPORT REGULATIONS 31
1. Customs Tariffs, Fees and Charges for Services Rendered, Application of Internal Taxes to Exports 31
2. Export Licensing and Export Restrictions 31
3. Export Subsidies 33
D. INTERNAL POLICIES AFFECTING FOREIGN TRADE IN GOODS 33
1. Taxes and Charges Levied on Imports and Exports 33
2. Industrial Policy, including Subsidies 33
3. Technical Barriers to Trade 35
4. Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 39
5. Trade-Related Investment Measures 40
6. State Trading Entities 40
7. Special Economic Areas 42
8. Transit 43
9. Agricultural Policies 43
10. Trade in Civil Aircraft 45
11. Textiles 45
12. Measures Maintained Against China 46
13. Transitional Safeguards 46
V. TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME 48
A. GENERAL 48
1. Overview 48
2. Responsible agencies for policy formulation and implementation 52
3. Participation in international intellectual property agreements 53
4. Application of national and MFN treatment to foreign nationals 53
B. SUBSTANTIVE STANDARDS OF PROTECTION, INCLUDING PROCEDURES FOR THE ACQUISITION AND MAINTENANCE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 54
1. Copyright protection 54
2. Trademarks, including service marks 54
3. Geographical indications, including appellations of origin 55
4. Industrial designs 55
5. Patents 56
6. Plant variety protection 58
7. Layout designs of integrated circuits 59
8. Requirements on undisclosed information, including trade secrets and test data 59
C. MEASURES TO CONTROL ABUSE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 60
D. ENFORCEMENT 60
1. General 60
2. Civil judicial procedures and remedies 61
3. Provisional measures 61
4. Administrative procedures and remedies 62
5. Special border measures 63
6. Criminal procedures 63
VI. POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE IN SERVICES 63
1. Licensing 63
2. Choice of Partner 66
3. Modification of the Equity Interest 67
4. Prior Experience Requirement for Establishment in Insurance Sector 67
5. Inspection Services 67
6. Market Research 67
7. Legal Services 67
8. Minority Shareholder Rights 67
9. Schedule of Specific Commitments 68
VII. OTHER ISSUES 68
1. Notifications 68
2. Special Trade Arrangements 68
3. Transparency 68
4. Government Procurement 70
VIII. CONCLUSIONS 71



I. INTRODUCTION
1. At its meeting on 4 March 1987, the Council established a Working Party to examine the request of the Government of the People's Republic of China ("China") (L/6017, submitted on 10 July 1986) for resumption of its status as a GATT contracting party, and to submit to the Council recommendations which may include a Protocol on the Status of China. In a communication dated 7 December 1995, the Government of China applied for accession to the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization ("WTO Agreement") pursuant to Article XII of the WTO Agreement. Following China's application and pursuant to the decision of the General Council on 31 January 1995, the existing Working Party on China's Status as a GATT 1947 Contracting Party was transformed into a WTO Accession Working Party, effective from 7 December 1995. The terms of reference and the membership of the Working Party are reproduced in document WT/ACC/CHN/2/Rev.11 and Corr.1.
2. The Working Party on China's Status as a Contracting Party met on 20 occasions between 1987 and 1995 under the Chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Pierre-Louis Girard (Switzerland). The Working Party on the Accession of China met on 22 March 1996, 1 November 1996, 6 March 1997, 23 May 1997, 1 August 1997, 5 December 1997, 8 April 1998, 24 July 1998, 21 March 2000, 23 June 2000, 27 July 2000, 28 September 2000, 9 November 2000, 8 December 2000, 17 January 2001, 4 July 2001, 20 July 2001 and 17 September 2001 under the same Chairman. At meetings held on 9 November 2000, 8 December 2000 and 17 January 2001, Mr. Paul-Henri Ravier, Deputy Director-General of the WTO, served as Acting Chairman.
1. Documentation Provided
3. The Working Party had before it, to serve as a basis for its discussion, a Memorandum on China's Foreign Trade Regime (L/6125) and questions posed by members of the Working Party on the foreign trade regime of China, together with replies of the Chinese authorities thereto. In addition, the Government of China made available to the Working Party a substantial amount of documentation, which is listed in document WT/ACC/CHN/23/Rev.1.
2. Introductory Statements
4. In statements to the GATT 1947 Working Party and subsequently to the Working Party on the Accession of China, the representative of China stated that China's consistent efforts to resume its status as a contracting party to GATT and accession to the WTO Agreement were in line with its objective of economic reform to establish a socialist market economy as well as its basic national policy of opening to the outside world. China's WTO accession would increase its economic growth and enhance its economic and trade relations with WTO Members.
5. Members of the Working Party welcomed China's accession to the WTO Agreement and considered that its accession would contribute to a strengthening of the multilateral trading system, enhancing the universality of the WTO, bringing mutual benefits to China and to the other Members of the WTO, and ensuring the steady development of the world economy.
6. The representative of China said that China had a territory of 9.6 million square kilometres and, at the end of 1998 a population of 1.25 billion. Since 1979, China had been progressively reforming its economic system, with the objective of establishing and improving the socialist market economy. The reform package introduced in 1994, covering the banking, finance, taxation, investment, foreign exchange ("forex") and foreign trade sectors, had brought about major breakthroughs in China's socialist market economy. State-owned enterprises had been reformed by a clear definition of property rights and responsibilities, a separation of government from enterprise, and scientific management. A modern enterprise system had been created for the state-owned sector, and the latter was gradually getting on the track of growth through independent operation, responsible for its own profits and losses. A nation-wide unified and open market system had been developed. An improved macroeconomic regulatory system used indirect means and market forces to play a central role in economic management and the allocation of resources. A new tax and financial system was functioning effectively. Financial policy had been separated from commercial operations of the central bank, which now focussed on financial regulation and supervision. The exchange rate of the Chinese currency Renminbi (also "RMB") had been unified and remained stable. The Renminbi had been made convertible on current account. Further liberalization of pricing policy had resulted in the majority of consumer and producer products being subject to market prices. The market now played a much more significant role in boosting supply and meeting demand.
7. The representative of China further noted that as a result, in 1999, the Gross Domestic Product ("GDP") of China totaled RMB 8.2054 trillion yuan (approximately US$ 990 billion). In 1998, the net per capita income for rural residents was RMB 2,160 yuan (approximately US$ 260), and the per capita dispensable income for urban dwellers was RMB 5,425 yuan (approximately US$ 655). In recent years, foreign trade had grown substantially. In 1999, total imports and exports of goods reached US$ 360.65 billion, of which exports stood at US$ 194.93 billion, and imports, US$ 165.72 billion. Exports from China in 1998 accounted for 3.4 per cent of the world's total.
8. The representative of China stated that although important achievements have been made in its economic development, China was still a developing country and therefore should have the right to enjoy all the differential and more favourable treatment accorded to developing country Members pursuant to the WTO Agreement.
9. Some members of the Working Party indicated that because of the significant size, rapid growth and transitional nature of the Chinese economy, a pragmatic approach should be taken in determining China's need for recourse to transitional periods and other special provisions in the WTO Agreement available to developing country WTO Members. Each agreement and China's situation should be carefully considered and specifically addressed. In this regard it was stressed that this pragmatic approach would be tailored to fit the specific cases of China's accession in a few areas, which were reflected in the relevant provisions set forth in China's Protocol and Working Party Report. Noting the preceding statements, Members reiterated that all commitments taken by China in her accession process were solely those of China and would prejudice neither existing rights and obligations of Members under the WTO Agreement nor on-going and future WTO negotiations and any other process of accession. While noting the pragmatic approach taken in China's case in a few areas, Members also recognized the importance of differential and more favourable treatment for developing countries embodied in the WTO Agreement.
10. At the request of interested members of the Working Party, the representative of China agreed that China would undertake bilateral market access negotiations with respect to industrial and agricultural products, and initial commitments in services.
11. Some members of the Working Party stated that in addition to undertaking market access negotiations in goods and services, close attention should also be paid to China's multilateral commitments, in particular China's future obligations under the Multilateral Agreements on Trade in Goods and the General Agreement on Trade in Services ("GATS"). This was of vital importance to ensure that China would be able to take full benefit of WTO membership as quickly as possible, as well as to ensure that the value of any market access conditions undertaken were not adversely affected by inconsistent measures such as some types of non-tariff measures.
12. The representative of China stated that the achievement of balance between rights and obligations was the basic principle in its negotiation of WTO accession.
13. Some members of the Working Party expressed concern over discrepancies in statistical information supplied by the Government of China on trade volume/value. Members and China pursued this issue separately in an Informal Group of Experts on Export Statistics.
14. The Working Party reviewed the foreign trade regime of China. The discussions and commitments resulting therefrom are contained in paragraphs 15-342 below and in the Protocol of Accession ("Protocol"), including the annexes.
II. ECONOMIC POLICIES
1. Non-Discrimination (including national treatment)
15. Some members expressed concern regarding the application of the principle of non-discrimination in relation to foreign individuals and enterprises (whether wholly or partly foreign funded). Those members stated that China should enter a commitment to accord non-discriminatory treatment to all foreign individuals and enterprises and foreign-funded enterprises in respect of the procurement of inputs and goods and services necessary for production of goods and the conditions under which their goods were produced, marketed or sold, in the domestic market and for export. In addition, those members said that China should also enter a commitment to guarantee non-discriminatory treatment in respect of the prices and availability of goods and services supplied by national and sub-national authorities and public or state enterprises, in areas including transportation, energy, basic telecommunications, other utilities and factors of production.
16. Some members of the Working Party also raised concerns over China's practice of conditioning or imposing restrictions upon participation in the Chinese economy based upon the nationality of the entity concerned. Those members in particular raised concerns over such practices in relation to the pricing and procurement of goods and services, and the distribution of import and export licences. Members of the Working Party requested that China enter into a commitment not to condition such practices on the nationality of the entity concerned.
17. In response, the representative of China emphasized the importance of the commitments that the government was undertaking on non-discrimination. The representative of China noted, however, that any commitment to provide non-discriminatory treatment to Chinese enterprises, including foreign-funded enterprises, and foreign enterprises and individuals in China, would be subject to other provisions of the Protocol and, in particular, would not prejudice China's rights under the GATS, China's Schedule of Specific Commitments or commitments undertaken in relation to trade-related investment measures.
18. The representative of China further confirmed that China would provide the same treatment to Chinese enterprises, including foreign-funded enterprises, and foreign enterprises and individuals in China. China would eliminate dual pricing practices as well as differences in treatment accorded to goods produced for sale in China in comparison to those produced for export. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
19. The representative of China confirmed that, consistent with China's rights and obligations under the WTO Agreement and the Protocol, China would provide non-discriminatory treatment to all WTO Members, including Members of the WTO that were separate customs territories. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
20. Some members of the Working Party expressed concern about certain provisions of Chinese laws, regulations, administrative notices and other requirements which could, directly or indirectly, result in less favourable treatment of imported products in contravention of Article III of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ("GATT 1994"). Such requirements included product registration and certification, internal taxation, price and profit controls and all distinct forms of licensing for imports, and distribution or sale of imported goods. Even where such requirements existed in relation to domestically produced goods, those members reiterated that any de facto or de jure less favourable treatment of imported goods had to be eliminated in order to ensure full conformity with the principle of national treatment.
21. Some members of the Working Party drew China's attention to the variety of types of requirements which could contravene Article III of the GATT 1994. Specific reference was made to the procedures, charges and conditions for granting of business licences, whether to import, distribute, re-sell or retail goods of non-Chinese origin. Reference was also made to taxes and fiscal provisions whose impact depended, directly or indirectly, upon the Chinese or non-Chinese origin of the goods imported or traded. Those members drew the attention of China to its obligation to ensure that product testing and certification requirements, including procedures for in situ inspections, posed no greater burden - whether financial or practical - on goods of non-Chinese origin than on domestic goods. Those members underlined that conformity assessment procedures and standards, including safety and other compliance requirements, had to respect the terms of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade ("TBT Agreement") as well as Article III of the GATT 1994.
22. The representative of China confirmed that the full respect of all laws, regulations and administrative requirements with the principle of non-discrimination between domestically produced and imported products would be ensured and enforced by the date of China's accession unless otherwise provided in the Protocol or Report. The representative of China declared that, by accession, China would repeal and cease to apply all such existing laws, regulations and other measures whose effect was inconsistent with WTO rules on national treatment. This commitment was made in relation to final or interim laws, administrative measures, rules and notices, or any other form of stipulation or guideline. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
23. In particular, the representative of China confirmed that measures would be taken at national and sub-national level, including repeal or modification of legislation, to provide full GATT national treatment in respect of laws, regulations and other measures applying to internal sale, offering for sale, purchase, transportation, distribution or use of the following:
- After sales service (repair, maintenance and assistance), including any conditions applying to its provision, such as the MOFTEC third Decree of 6 September 1993, imposing mandatory licensing procedures for the supply of after-sales service on various imported products;
- Pharmaceutical products, including regulations, notices and measures which subjected imported pharmaceuticals to distinct procedures and formulas for pricing and classification, or which set limits on profit margins attainable and imports, or which created any other conditions regarding price or local content which could result in less favourable treatment of imported products;
- Cigarettes, including unification of the licensing requirements so that a single licence authorized the sale of all cigarettes, irrespective of their country of origin, and elimination of any other restrictions regarding points of sale for imported products, such as could be imposed by the China National Tobacco Corporation ("CNTC"). It was understood that in the case of cigarettes, China could avail itself of a transitional period of two years to fully unify the licensing requirements. Immediately upon accession, and during the two year transitional period, the number of retail outlets selling imported cigarettes would be substantially increased throughout the territory of China;
- Spirits, including requirements applied under China's "Administrative Measures on Imported Spirits in the Domestic Market", and other provisions which imposed distinct criteria and licensing for the distribution and sale of different categories of spirits, including unification of the licensing requirements so that a single licence authorized the sale of all spirits irrespective of their country of origin;
- Chemicals, including registration procedures applicable to imported products, such as those applied under China's "Provisions on the Environmental Administration of Initial Imports of Chemical Products and Imports and Exports of Toxic Chemical Products";
- Boilers and pressure vessels, including certification and inspection procedures which had to be no less favourable than those applied to goods of Chinese origin, and fees applied by the relevant agencies or administrative bodies, which had to be equitable in relation to those chargeable for like products of domestic origin.
The representative of China stated that in the cases of pharmaceuticals, spirits and chemicals cited above, China would reserve the right to use a transitional period of one year from the date of accession in order to amend or repeal the relevant legislation. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
2. Monetary and Fiscal Policy
24. The representative of China stated that through the reform and opening up in the last two decades, China had established a fiscal management system which was compatible with the principles of a market economy. With respect to fiscal revenue, a taxation system with a value-added tax as the main element had been established since the taxation reform in 1994. With respect to fiscal expenditure, over recent years the government had, in line with the public fiscal requirement generally exercised by market economies, strengthened its adjustment of the structure of expenditure and given priority to public needs so as to ensure the normal operations of the government.
25. The representative of China further stated that in recent years, while pursuing proactive fiscal policy, China had implemented proper monetary policy and had taken a series of adjusting and reform measures which included lowering the interest rate for loans from financial institutions, improving the system of required deposit reserves and lowering the ratio of required reserves, positively increasing the input of base money and encouraging the commercial banks to expand their credit.
26. In respect of future fiscal policy, the representative of China noted that the Government of China would further improve its taxation system and would continue to improve the efficiency of fiscal expenditure through implementing reform measures such as sectoral budget, centralized payment by the national treasury and zero base budget, as well as improving management of fiscal expenditure. With respect to future monetary policy, the central bank would continue to pursue a prudent policy, maintain the stability of RMB, promote interest rate liberalization and establish a modern commercial banking system.
3. Foreign Exchange and Payments
27. Some members of the Working Party raised concerns about China's use of forex controls to regulate the level and composition of trade in goods and services. In response, the representative of China stated that China was now a member of the International Monetary Fund ("IMF") and that recently its system of forex had undergone rapid change. Significant moves had been taken to reform, rationalize and liberalize the forex market. The practice of multiple exchange rates in swap centres had been abolished. China had already unified its forex market and removed many of the restrictions on the use of forex.
28. Outlining the historical development of China's forex reform, the representative of China stated that the purpose of China's forex reform was to reduce administrative intervention and increase the role of market forces. From 1979, a forex retention system was applied in China, although forex swap was gradually developing. In early 1994, official RMB exchange rates were unified with the market rates. The banking exchange system was adopted and a nationwide unified inter-bank forex market was established, with conditional convertibility of the Renminbi on current accounts. Since 1996, foreign invested enterprises ("FIEs") were also permitted into the banking exchange system, and the remaining exchange restrictions on current accounts were eliminated. On 1 December 1996, China had formally accepted the obligations of Article VIII of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, removing exchange restrictions on current account transactions. Accordingly, since then the Renminbi had been fully convertible on current accounts. It was confirmed by the IMF in its Staff Report on Article IV Consultations with China in 2000 that China had no existing forex restrictions for current account transactions.
29. The representative of China stated that the State Administration of Foreign Exchange ("SAFE") was under the auspices of the People's Bank of China ("PBC"), and was the administrative organ empowered to regulate forex. Its main functions were to monitor and advise on balance-of-payments and forex matters. SAFE was also required to draft appropriate regulations and monitor compliance. He further noted that domestic and foreign banks, and financial institutions could engage in forex business, with the approval of the PBC.
30. In response to requests from members of the Working Party for further information, the representative of China added that for forex payments under current accounts, domestic entities (including FIEs) could purchase forex at market exchange rates from designated banks or debit their forex accounts directly upon presentation of valid documents. For payments such as pre-payment, commission, etc., exceeding the proportion or limit, the entities could also purchase forex from the banks upon meeting the bona fide test administered by SAFE. Forex for personal use by individuals could be purchased directly from the banks upon presentation of valid documents (within a specified limit). For amounts exceeding the limit, individuals able to prove their need for additional forex could purchase it from the banks. He also noted that current account forex receipts owned by domestic entities had to be repatriated into China, some of which could be retained and some sold to the designated banks at market rates. A verification system for forex payment (imports) and forex receipt (exports) had also been adopted.
31. Concerning the exchange rate regime in particular, the representative of China noted that since the unification of exchange rates on 1 January 1994, China had adopted a single and managed floating exchange rate regime based on supply and demand. PBC published the reference rates of RMB against the US dollar, the HK dollar and Japanese yen based on the weighted average prices of forex transactions at the interbank forex market during the previous day's trading. The buying and selling rates of RMB against the US dollar on the inter-bank forex market could fluctuate within 0.3 per cent of the reference rate. For the HK dollar and Japanese yen, the permitted range was 1 per cent. Designated forex banks could deal with their clients at an agreed rate. Under such contracts the exchange rate of the US dollar was required to be within 0.15 per cent of the reference rate, whereas for the HK dollar and Japanese yen, the permitted range was 1 per cent. The exchange rates for other foreign currencies were based on the rates of RMB against the US dollar and cross-exchange rates of other foreign currency on the international market. The permitted margin between the buying and selling rate could not exceed 0.5 per cent.
32. The representative of China further noted that since 1 January 1994, designated forex banks had become major participants in forex transactions. On 1 April 1994, the China Foreign Exchange Trading System was set up in Shanghai and branches were opened in dozens of cities. The Foreign Exchange Trading System had adopted a system of membership, respective quotation, concentrated trading and forex market settlement. Designated forex banks dealt on the inter-bank market according to the turnover position limit on banking exchange stipulated by SAFE and covered the position on the market. Depending on its macro-economic objectives, the PBC could intervene in the forex open market in order to regulate market supply and demand, and maintain the stability of the RMB exchange rate.
33. The representative of China noted that since 1 July 1996, forex dealing of the FIEs was carried out through the banking exchange system. He further noted that to encourage foreign direct investment, China had granted national treatment to FIEs in exchange administration. Accordingly, FIEs were allowed to open and hold forex settlement accounts to retain receipts under current accounts, up to a maximum amount stipulated by SAFE. Receipts in excess of the maximum amount were required to be sold to designated forex banks. No restrictions were maintained on the payment and transfer of current transactions by FIEs, and FIEs could purchase forex from designated forex banks or debit their forex accounts for any payment under current transactions, upon the presentation of valid documents to the designated forex banks or SAFE for the bona fide test. FIEs could also open forex accounts to hold foreign-invested capital, and they could sell from these accounts upon the approval of SAFE. FIEs could also borrow forex directly from domestic and overseas banks, but were required to register with SAFE afterwards, and obtain approval by SAFE for debt repayment and services. FIEs could make payments from their forex accounts or in forex purchased from designated forex banks after liquidation, upon approval by SAFE according to law.
34. The representative of China further noted that the laws and regulations mentioned above were: Law of the People's Republic of China on Chinese-Foreign Equity Joint Venture; Law of the People's Republic of China on Chinese-Foreign Contractual Joint Venture; Regulations on the Exchange System of the People's Republic of China; and Regulations on the Sale and Purchase of and Payment in Foreign Exchange.
35. The representative of China stated that China would implement its obligations with respect to forex matters in accordance with the provisions of the WTO Agreement and related declarations and decisions of the WTO that concerned the IMF. The representative further recalled China's acceptance of Article VIII of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, which provided that "no member shall, without the approval of the Fund, impose restrictions on the making of payments and transfers for current international transactions". He stated that, in accordance with these obligations, and unless otherwise provided for in the IMF's Articles of Agreement, China would not resort to any laws, regulations or other measures, including any requirements with respect to contractual terms, that would restrict the availability to any individual or enterprise of forex for current international transactions within its customs territory to an amount related to the forex inflows attributable to that individual or enterprise. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
36. In addition, the representative of China stated that China would provide information on exchange measures as required under Article VIII, Section 5 of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, and such other information on its exchange measures as was deemed necessary in the context of the transitional review mechanism. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
4. Balance-of-Payments Measures
37. Some members of the Working Party stated that China should apply balance-of-payments ("BOPs") measures only under the circumstances provided for in the WTO Agreement and not as a justification for imposition of restrictions on imports for other protectionist purposes. Those members stated that measures taken for BOPs reasons should have the least trade disruptive effect possible and should be limited to temporary import surcharges, import deposit requirements or other equivalent price-based trade measures, and those measures should not be used to provide import protection for specific sectors, industries or products.
38. Those members of the Working Party further stated that any such measures should be notified pursuant to the Understanding on the Balance-of-Payments Provisions of the GATT 1994 ("BOPs Understanding") to the General Council not later than the imposition of the measures, together with a time schedule for their elimination and a programme of external and domestic policy measures to be used to restore BOPs equilibrium. Those members also stated that following deposit of such a notification, the Committee on Balance-of-Payments Restrictions ("BOPs Committee") should meet to examine the notification. It was noted that paragraph 4 of the BOPs Understanding would be available to China in the case of "essential products". Some members stated that the BOPs Committee should review the operation of any BOPs measures taken by China, if so requested by China or a WTO Member.
39. Some other members of the Working Party considered that, in respect of measures taken for BOP purposes, China should enjoy the same rights as those accorded to other developing country WTO Members, as provided in GATT Article XVIII:B and the BOPs Understanding.
40. In response, the representative of China stated that China considered that it should have the right to make full use of WTO BOPs provisions to protect, if necessary, its BOPs situation. He confirmed that China would fully comply with the provisions of the GATT 1994 and the BOPs Understanding. Further to such compliance, China would give preference to application of price-based measures as set forth in the BOPs Understanding. If China resorted to measures that were not price-based, it would transform such measures into price-based measures as soon as possible. Any measures taken would be maintained strictly in accordance with the GATT 1994 and the BOPs Understanding, and would not exceed what was necessary to address the particular BOPs situation. The representative of China also confirmed that measures taken for BOPs reasons would only be applied to control the general level of imports and not to protect specific sectors, industries or products, except as noted in paragraph 38. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
5. Investment Regime
41. The representative of China stated that since the inception of the reform and opening up policy in the late 1970's, China had carried out a series of reforms of its investment regime. The highly centralized investment administration under the planned economy had been progressively transformed into a new pattern of diversification of investors, multi-channelling of capital sources and diversification of investment modalities. The government encouraged foreign investment into the Chinese market and had uninterruptedly opened and expanded the scope for investment. At the same time, the Government of China also encouraged the development of the non-state-operated economy and was speeding up the opening of areas for non-state investment. With China's programme in the establishment of its market economy, the construction projects of various enterprises utilizing free capital and financed by the credit of the enterprise would be fully subject to the decision-making of the enterprise concerned and at their own risk. The commercial banks' credit activities to all kinds of investors would be based on their own evaluation and decision-making, and would be at their own risk. The business activities of intermediate investment agencies would be fully subject to the market and would provide service at the instruction of the investors. These agencies would break up their administrative relations with government agencies and the service activities financed by the government would also be subject to the terms and conditions agreed in the contracts concerned.
42. The representative of China further stated that China had promulgated investment guidelines and that the Government of China was in the process of revising and completing these guidelines. Responding to concerns raised by certain members of the Working Party, he confirmed that these investment guidelines and their implementation would be in full conformity with the WTO Agreement. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
6. State-Owned and State-Invested Enterprises
43. The representative of China stated that the state-owned enterprises of China basically operated in accordance with rules of market economy. The government would no longer directly administer the human, finance and material resources, and operational activities such as production, supply and marketing. The prices of commodities produced by state-owned enterprises were decided by the market and resources in operational areas were fundamentally allocated by the market. The state-owned banks had been commercialized and lending to state-owned enterprises took place exclusively under market conditions. China was furthering its reform of state-owned enterprises and establishing a modern enterprise system.
44. In light of the role that state-owned and state-invested enterprises played in China's economy, some members of the Working Party expressed concerns about the continuing governmental influence and guidance of the decisions and activities of such enterprises relating to the purchase and sale of goods and services. Such purchases and sales should be based solely on commercial considerations, without any governmental influence or application of discriminatory measures. In addition, those members indicated the need for China to clarify its understanding of the types of activities that would not come within the scope of Article III:8(a) of GATT 1994. For example, any measure relating to state-owned and state-invested enterprises importing materials and machinery used in the assembly of goods, which were then exported or otherwise made available for commercial sale or use or for non-governmental purposes, would not be considered to be a measure relating to government procurement.
45. The representative of China emphasized the evolving nature of China's economy and the significant role of FIEs and the private sector in the economy. Given the increasing need and desirability of competing with private enterprises in the market, decisions by state-owned and state-invested enterprises had to be based on commercial considerations as provided in the WTO Agreement.
46. The representative of China further confirmed that China would ensure that all state-owned and state-invested enterprises would make purchases and sales based solely on commercial considerations, e.g., price, quality, marketability and availability, and that the enterprises of other WTO Members would have an adequate opportunity to compete for sales to and purchases from these enterprises on non-discriminatory terms and conditions. In addition, the Government of China would not influence, directly or indirectly, commercial decisions on the part of state-owned or state-invested enterprises, including on the quantity, value or country of origin of any goods purchased or sold, except in a manner consistent with the WTO Agreement. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
47. The representative of China confirmed that, without prejudice to China's rights in future negotiations in the Government Procurement Agreement, all laws, regulations and measures relating to the procurement by state-owned and state-invested enterprises of goods and services for commercial sale, production of goods or supply of services for commercial sale, or for non-governmental purposes would not be considered to be laws, regulations and measures relating to government procurement. Thus, such purchases or sales would be subject to the provisions of Articles II, XVI and XVII of the GATS and Article III of the GATT 1994. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
48. Certain members of the Working Party expressed concern about laws, regulations and measures in China affecting the transfer of technology, in particular in the context of investment decisions. Moreover, these members expressed concern about measures conditioning the receipt of benefits, including investment approvals, upon technology transfer. In their view, the terms and conditions of technology transfer, particularly in the context of an investment, should be agreed between the parties to the investment without government interference. The government should not, for example, condition investment approval upon technology transfer.
49. The representative of China confirmed that China would only impose, apply or enforce laws, regulations or measures relating to the transfer of technology, production processes, or other proprietary knowledge to an individual or enterprise in its territory that were not inconsistent with the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ("TRIPS Agreement") and the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures ("TRIMs Agreement"). He confirmed that the terms and conditions of technology transfer, production processes or other proprietary knowledge, particularly in the context of an investment, would only require agreement between the parties to the investment. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
7. Pricing Policies
50. Some members of the Working Party noted that China had made extensive use of price controls, for example in the agricultural sector. Those members requested that China undertake specific commitments concerning its system of state pricing. In particular, those members stated that China should allow prices for traded goods and services in every sector to be determined by market forces, and multi-tier pricing practices for such goods and services should be eliminated. Those members noted, however, that China expected to maintain price controls on the goods and services listed in Annex 4 to the Protocol, and stated that any such controls should be maintained in a manner consistent with the WTO Agreement, in particular Article III of the GATT 1994 and Annex 2, paragraphs 3 and 4, of the Agreement on Agriculture. Those members noted that except in exceptional circumstances, and subject to notification to the WTO Secretariat, price controls should not be extended to goods or services beyond those listed in Annex 4, and China should make its best efforts to reduce and eliminate those controls. They also asked that China publish in the appropriate official journal the list of goods and services subject to state pricing and changes thereto.
51. Some members of the Working Party expressed the view that price controls and state pricing in China also encompassed "guidance pricing" and regulation of the range of profits that enterprises could enjoy. Such policies and practices would also be subject to China's commitments. In their view, price controls should be adopted only in extraordinary circumstances and should be removed as soon as the circumstances justifying their adoption were addressed.
52. The representative of China said that China currently applied a mechanism of market-based pricing under macro-economic adjustment. He noted that national treatment was applied in the areas of government pricing for all imported goods. There were presently three types of prices: government price, government guidance price and market-regulated price. The government price was set by price administration authorities and could not be changed without the approval of these authorities. Products and services subject to government pricing were those having a direct bearing on the national economy and the basic needs of the people's livelihood, including those products that were scarce in China.
53. The representative of China stated that when government prices or government guidance prices needed to be adjusted or reset, the agencies or operators concerned should apply or propose to the competent pricing authorities for that purpose. There was not a fixed time frame for the adjustment of government prices or government guidance prices. Competent agencies or operators could, in the light of market changes and according to relevant provisions of the Price Law, submit applications or proposals to the competent pricing authorities for pricing or adjustment of the original prices. The government pricing authorities would, in the light of such factors as market demand and supply, operational costs, effect on consumers as well as the quality of services, determine specific prices for the services concerned, or set guidance prices and floating ranges within which operators could determine specific prices. When setting prices for public utilities, important public welfare services and goods subject to natural monopolies and services which were of vital interest to the general public, government pricing authorities would hold public hearings and invite consumers, operators and other concerned parties to comment and debate on the necessity and impact of a price adjustment. The prices of important services were subject to the approval of the State Council. This mechanism had helped to significantly improve the rationality and transparency of government pricing. All enterprises, regardless of their nature and ownership, were free to participate in such hearings and voice their opinions and concerns which would be taken into consideration by the competent pricing authorities. Meanwhile, government pricing was product- or service-specific, regardless of the ownership of the enterprises concerned. All the enterprises and individuals enjoyed the same treatment in terms of participating in the process of setting government prices and government guidance prices.
54. The representative of China added that the government guidance price mechanism was a more flexible form of pricing. The price administration authorities stipulated either a basic price or floating ranges. The floating range of guidance pricing was generally 5 per cent to 15 per cent. Enterprises could, within the limits of the guidance and taking into account the market situation, make their own decisions on prices. With market-regulated prices, enterprises were free to set prices in accordance with supply and demand to the extent permitted by generally applicable laws, regulations and policies concerning prices.
55. The representative of China stated that in formulating government prices and government guidance prices, the following criteria were taken into account: normal production costs, supply and demand situation, relevant government policies and prices of related products. When fixing prices of consumer goods, consideration was given to the limits of consumers' purchasing power. He noted that due to the continued reform of China's price system, the share of government prices had dropped substantially and that of market-regulated prices had increased; of social retailing products, the share of government prices was about 4 per cent, that of government guidance prices 1.2 per cent, and that of market-regulated prices 94.7 per cent. For agricultural products, the share of government prices was 9.1 per cent, government guidance prices 7.1 per cent, and market-regulated 83.3 per cent. For production inputs, the share of government prices was 9.6 per cent, that of government guidance prices 4.4 per cent, and market-regulated prices 86 per cent. The share of directly government-controlled prices had been much reduced. China's price system was becoming increasingly rationalized, creating a relatively fair marketplace for all enterprises to compete on an equal footing.
56. The representative of China recalled that Annex 4 of the Protocol contained a comprehensive listing of all products and services presently subject to government guidance pricing and government pricing. He stated that the services subject to price controls were listed in Annex 4 by their respective CPC codes.
57. Some members of the Working Party requested additional information on the specific activities subject to government pricing or government guidance pricing. In particular, those members requested information on professional services, educational services, and charges for settlement clearing and transmission services of banks. In response, the representative of China stated that "The Administrative Rules on Intermediate Services" promulgated in 1999 by six central government agencies led by the State Development and Planning Commission ("SDPC") dealt with government pricing on intermediate services such as inspection authentication, notarization and arbitration and services which were in limited supply due to their special requirements. For legal services, the Interim Regulation on Charges and Fees of Legal Services, jointly promulgated by the SDPC and the Ministry of Justice stipulated that for law firms practising Chinese law, charges and fees for the following activities were subject to the approval of the SDPC: (1) representing a client in a civil case, including an appeal; (2) representing a client in a case contesting an administrative agency's decision; (3) providing legal advice to criminal suspects, acting for a client in connection with an appeal or prosecution, applying for bail, representing a defendant or victim in a criminal case; and (4) representing a client in an arbitration. For foreign legal service providers engaged in activities such as those listed in China's GATS schedule, the foreign legal service providers would determine the appropriate charges and fees which would not be subject to government pricing or guidance pricing.
58. The representative of China noted that regulations also existed for the other services included in Annex 4. Government pricing and guidance pricing covered auditing services. For architectural services, advisory and pre-design architectural services and contract administration activities were subject to government pricing or government guidance pricing. For engineering services, advisory and consultative services, engineering design services for the construction of foundations and building structures, design services for mechanical and electrical installations for buildings, construction of civil engineering works, and industrial processes and production were subject to government pricing or government guidance pricing. Primary, secondary and higher education services were subject to government pricing.
59. The representative of China further explained that charges for settlement, clearing and transmission services of banks referred to in Annex 4 related to the charges and fees collected by banks for the services provided to enterprises and individuals when the banks conducted currency payments and transmission and fund settlements by using clearance methods such as bills and notes, collections and acceptances. These mainly included commission charges of bills, cashier's cheques, cheques, remittances, entrusted collections of payment, and collections and acceptances of banks.
60. The representative of China confirmed that it would publish in the official journal the list of goods and services subject to state pricing and changes thereto, together with price-setting mechanisms and policies. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
61. The representative of China confirmed that the official journal providing price information was the Pricing Monthly of the People's Republic of China, published in Beijing. It was a monthly magazine listing all products and services priced by the State. He further stated that China would continue to further its price reform, adjusting the catalogue subject to state pricing and further liberalize its pricing policies.
62. The representative of China further confirmed that price controls would not be used for purposes of affording protection to domestic industries or services providers. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
63. Some members of the Working Party expressed a concern that China could maintain prices below market-based ones in order to limit imports.
64. In response, the representative of China confirmed that China would apply its current price controls and any other price controls upon accession in a WTO-consistent fashion, and would take account of the interests of exporting WTO Members as provided for in Article III:9 of the GATT 1994. He also confirmed that price controls would not have the effect of limiting or otherwise impairing China's market-access commitments on goods and services. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
8. Competition Policy
65. The representative of China noted that the Government of China encouraged fair competition and was against acts of unfair competition of all kinds. The Law of the People's Republic of China on Combating Unfair Competition, promulgated on 2 September 1993 and implemented on 1 December 1993, was the basic law to maintain the order of competition in the market. In addition, the Price Law, the Law on Tendering and Bidding, the Criminal Law and other relevant laws also contained provisions on anti-monopoly and unfair competition. China was now formulating the Law on Anti-Monopoly.
III. FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING AND ENFORCING POLICIES
1. Structure and Powers of the Government
66. The representative of China informed members of the Working Party that in accordance with the Constitution and the Law on Legislation of the People's Republic of China, the National People's Congress was the highest organ of state power. Its permanent body was its Standing Committee. The National People's Congress and its Standing Committee exercised the legislative power of the State. They had the power to formulate the Constitution and laws. The State Council, i.e., the Central People's Government of China, was the executive body of the highest organ of state power. The State Council, in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws, was entrusted with the power to formulate administrative regulations. The ministries, commissions and other competent departments (collectively referred to as "departments'') of the State Council could issue departmental rules within the jurisdiction of their respective departments and in accordance with the laws and administrative regulations. The provincial people's congresses and their standing committees could adopt local regulations. The provincial governments had the power to make local government rules. The National People's Congress and its Standing Committee had the power to annul the administrative regulations that contradicted the Constitution and laws as well as the local regulations that contradicted the Constitution, laws and administrative regulations. The State Council had the power to annul departmental rules and local government rules that were inconsistent with the Constitution, laws or administrative regulations. These features of the Chinese legal system would ensure an effective and uniform implementation of the obligations after China's accession.
67. The representative of China stated that China had been consistently performing its international treaty obligations in good faith. According to the Constitution and the Law on the Procedures of Conclusion of Treaties, the WTO Agreement fell within the category of "important international agreements" subject to the ratification by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. China would ensure that its laws and regulations pertaining to or affecting trade were in conformity with the WTO Agreement and with its commitments so as to fully perform its international obligations. For this purpose, China had commenced a plan to systematically revise its relevant domestic laws. Therefore, the WTO Agreement would be implemented by China in an effective and uniform manner through revising its existing domestic laws and enacting new ones fully in compliance with the WTO Agreement.
68. The representative of China confirmed that administrative regulations, departmental rules and other central government measures would be promulgated in a timely manner so that China's commitments would be fully implemented within the relevant time frames. If administrative regulations, departmental rules or other measures were not in place within such time frames, authorities would still honour China's obligations under the WTO Agreement and Protocol. The representative of China further confirmed that the central government would undertake in a timely manner to revise or annul administrative regulations or departmental rules if they were inconsistent with China's obligations under the WTO Agreement and Protocol. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
2. Authority of Sub-National Governments
69. Several members of the Working Party raised concerns about the continued presence of multiple trade instruments used by different levels of government within China. Those members considered that this situation resulted in a lessening of the security and predictability of access to the Chinese market. These Members raised specific concerns regarding the authority of sub-national governments in the areas of fiscal, financial and budgetary activities, specifically with respect to subsidies, taxation, trade policy and other issues covered by the WTO Agreement and the Protocol. In addition, some members expressed concerns about whether the central government could effectively ensure that trade-related measures introduced at the sub-national level would conform to China's commitments in the WTO Agreement and the Protocol.
70. The representative of China stated that sub-national governments had no autonomous authority over issues of trade policy to the extent that they were related to the WTO Agreement and the Protocol. The representative of China confirmed that China would in a timely manner annul local regulations, government rules and other local measures that were inconsistent with China's obligations. The representative of China further confirmed that the central government would ensure that China's laws, regulations and other measures, including those of local governments at the sub-national level, conformed to China's obligations undertaken in the WTO Agreement and the Protocol. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
3. Uniform Administration of the Trade Regime
71. Some members of the Working Party stated that it should be made clear that China would apply the requirements of the WTO Agreement and its other accession commitments throughout China's entire customs territory, including border trade regions, minority autonomous areas, Special Economic Zones ("SEZs"), open coastal cities, economic and technical development zones and other special economic areas and at all levels of government.
72. Those members of the Working Party also raised concerns about whether China's central government would be sufficiently informed about non-uniform practices and would take necessary enforcement actions. Those members stated that China should establish a mechanism by which any concerned person could bring to the attention of the central government cases of non-uniform application of the trade regime and receive prompt and effective action to address situations in which non-uniform application was established.
73. The representative of China confirmed that the provisions of the WTO Agreement, including the Protocol, would be applied uniformly throughout its customs territory, including in SEZs and other areas where special regimes for tariffs, taxes and regulations were established and at all levels of government. The Working Party took note of this commitment.
74. In response to questions from certain members of the Working Party, the representative of China confirmed that laws, regulations and other measures included decrees, orders, directives, administrative guidance and provisional and interim measures. He stated that in China, local governments included provincial governments, including autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government, cities, counties and townships. The representative of China further stated that local regulations, rules and other measures were issued by local governments at the provincial, city and county levels acting within their respective constitutional powers and functions and applied at their corresponding local level. Townships were only authorized to implement measures. Special economic areas were also authorized to issue and implement local rules and regulations.
75. The representative of China further confirmed that the mechanism established pursuant to Section 2(A) of the Protocol would be operative upon accession. All individuals and entities could bring to the attention of central government authorities cases of non-uniform application of China's trade regime, including its commitments under the WTO Agreement and the Protocol. Such cases would be referred promptly to the responsible government agency, and when non-uniform application was established, the authorities would act promptly to address the situation utilizing the remedies available under China's laws, taking into consideration China's international obligations and the need to provide a meaningful remedy. The individual or entity notifying China's authorities would be informed promptly in writing of any decision and action taken. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
4. Judicial Review
76. Some members of the Working Party stated that China should designate independent tribunals, contact points, and procedures for the prompt review of all administrative actions relating to the implementation of laws, regulations, judicial decisions and administrative rulings of general application referred to in Article X:1 of the GATT 1994, including administrative actions relating to import or export licences, non-tariff measures and tariff-rate quota administration, conformity assessment procedures and other measures. These members sought explicit confirmation that certain types of measures, such as decisions relating to standards and chemical registration, would be subject to judicial review. Some members of the Working Party also stated that the administrative actions subject to review should also include any actions required to be reviewed under the relevant provisions of the TRIPS Agreement and the GATS. These members stated that such tribunals should be independent of the agencies entrusted with administrative enforcement of the matter and should not have any substantial interest in the outcome of the matter.
77. Those members of the Working Party stated that such review procedures should include the opportunity for appeal, without penalty, by individuals or enterprises affected by any administrative action subject to review. If an initial right of appeal were to an administrative body, there should be an opportunity to choose to make a further appeal to a judicial body. Any decision by any appellate body and the reasons therefore would be communicated in writing to the appellant, together with notification of any right to further appeal.
78. The representative of China confirmed that it would revise its relevant laws and regulations so that its relevant domestic laws and regulations would be consistent with the requirements of the WTO Agreement and the Protocol on procedures for judicial review of administrative actions. He further stated that the tribunals responsible for such reviews would be impartial and independent of the agency entrusted with administrative enforcement, and would not have any substantial interest in the outcome of the matter. The Working Party took note of these commitments.
79. In response to questions from certain members of the Working Party, the representative of China confirmed that administrative actions related to the implementation of laws, regulations, judicial decisions and administrative rulings of general application referred to in Article X:1 of the GATT 1994, Article VI of the GATS and the relevant provisions of the TRIPS Agreement included those relating to the implementation of national treatment, conformity assessment, the regulation, control, supply or promotion of a service, including the grant or denial of a licence to provide a service and other matters, and that such administrative actions would be subject to the procedures established for prompt review under Section 2(D)(2) of the Protocol, and information on such procedures would be a