China has an edge with the World Trade Organization (WTO) no matter when it joins the international trade group, because its newest special administrative region, Macao, is already a member of the WTO.

"Macao has advantages in market entry, anti-dumping policies, telecommunications, financial and insurance services," China Daily quoted An Min, today's China Daily quoted An Min, an assistant minister of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co- operation (MOFTEC), as saying.

He added that China's entry into WTO will mean more business opportunities for Macao and Hong Kong.

"Macao and Hong Kong businesses have gained valuable experience through years of operation on the mainland, An Min said. They are also familiar with international trade rules. Therefore, they will have more development opportunities after the mainland joins "WTO".

He emphasized that the mainland's economic activities will adhere to international rules and practices once China joins WTO.

"Companies from Macao and Hong Kong can be at ease. There will be no interference with their trade and investment activities on the mainland," An said.

He further noted that mainland-invested companies will continue to be an important force in Macao's long-term economic development.

"The central government has placed great importance on the function that mainland-invested enterprises play in Macao's economy," he said.

Moreover, he encouraged Macao businesses to participate in the mainland's reform of State-owned enterprises.

"Foreign businesses are allowed to take over and annex small and medium-sized enterprises on the mainland; this, to a certain extent, helps expand the co-operation between Macao and the mainland," he said.

Trade statistics show that as of the end of October 6,384 projects with direct investment from Macao have been established on the mainland.