WTO Tests Central, Local Governments

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, April 01, 2002

WTO Tests Central, Local Governments

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WTO entry, a test for government

China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) will be a stern test of the central and local governments for their policy making, relationships with enterprises, make-up and philosophies, prominent Chinese economists said over the weekend in Beijing.

At a conference of the Chinese Economists 50, a high-profile club for renowned bankers, economic and trade officials and scholars, many raised deep concern about whether governments themselves will be adaptable to impacts WTO accession is sure to bring about.

Some imply that governments are not fully prepared

At the annual plenary meeting of the club, which was formed in 1999 and now has 40 members, some implied the governments were not fully prepared.

Consensus were still not reached on some urgent issues and major problems have yet to be solved. Recent studies on a government's re-orientation in changed circumstances remained weak, they also said.

Governmental issues

Most of the economists who spoke - the theme was China's Development Strategy after the WTO Accession - touched upon the governmental issues, focusing on controversial policies, adjustment in decision-making procedures, or redefining of the roles of government in new circumstances.

Some anticipated the impact of WTO accession would bring to governments would be overwhelming. Many proposed a separate seminar on the government as well.

Some economists stressed the issue of governmental interference in enterprises, controversial policies that discriminate against private ownership, and necessary deregulation to foster free trade and social justice.

The Chinese Economists 50 has sponsored 22 seminars in Beijing over the past three years.

Hewlett-Packard (China) Co Ltd will assist the Chinese Economists 50 club in its academic activities in an agreement signed between the company and the club last weekend in Beijing.

China's Entry into the WTO

China's entry to the WTO is a major event for the country, and the world as a whole.

Governments, business circles and social organizations all over the world have sent congratulatory messages to China's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, saying that China's entry will benefit its national economy, as well as encourage global economic growth and the improvement of the multilateral trade system.

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