May 2008
Current Policies and Prospects on Cross-straits Economic Exchanges
Vice Chairperson of the Mainland Affairs Council Liu Te-shun (LTS) spoke with Chris Bisogni (CB) and shared his thoughts on the development of cross-straits economic ties and what the Taiwanese people can expect as a result of Ma Ying-jeou’s victory in the recent election.
Confidence in Ma but Urgent Attention to the Economy Needed: Lawyers
The election of Ma Ying-jeou as Taiwanese president is good news for Taiwan but lawyers agree economic reforms and direct flights to the PRC are two issues that need urgent attention. China Law & Practice invited six lawyers from Taiwan’s leading law firms to discuss the implications of Ma Ying-jeou’s election victory.
STATE COUNCIL TAKES STEPS TO REFORM CAPITAL MARKET
NEW INFORMATION OFFICE OFFICIALS APPOINTED IN DECADE’S LARGEST RESHUFFLE
GOVERNMENT RESTRUCTURING EASES WAYS FOR LAWYERS
NEW REGULATION TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF LITIGATION DOCUMENT DELIVERY
Plan on Reform of State Council Organs
国务院机构改革方案
The Plan establishes a new commission and five new ministries under the State Council.
The 1st Session of the 11th National People’s Congress, Plan on Reform of State Council Organs
第十一届全国人民代表大会第一次会议国务院机构改革方案
A new commission and five new ministries are established under the State Council.
Customs Measures Move With the Times
The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China recently released its Decision on Amending the PRC Customs Measures for the Supervision of Processing Trade Goods (Decision), which has been in effect since 2004. The new measure was announced on 14 January 2008 and took effect since 1 March 2008. This development heralds the end of a long process of outward processing trade reform that will see the upgrade of China’s processing trade.
Contracts, Disputes, and New Jobs: An Overview of China’s New Labour Laws
The beginning of this year saw the introduction of a series of laws that have an immense effect on the labour market in the PRC. Many of their provisions have been expected and prepared for, while other areas of employment law remain unclear for many employers operating in the PRC. Therefore, knowledge of their content is essential for every market player with the need for hiring workers within the country.
Manufacturing Export Goods in China
China is not a free economy. Every business activity is regulated. According to current PRC laws and regulations, any established presence of a foreign company shall be approved and lodged with relevant government authorities. Unregistered business activities may be caught and deemed illegal by Chinese government authorities.
Tax Treatment of Mergers, Divisions and Reorganizations
Prevention of Infringement on Business Secrets in Foreign Investment
State Administration of Taxation, Circular on Issues Relevant to the Administration of Tax Collection Concerning Outbound Payments of Trade in Services
国家税务总局关于服务贸易对外支付税收征管有关问题的通知
Procedures for advance tax filing for the service industry clarified.
March 2008
Ministry of Finance, Measures for the Administration of the Priority Purchase and Order of Self-initiated Innovative Products by the Government
财政部自主创新产品政府首购和订购管理办法
Product innovation encouraged by means of government procurement.
Ministry of Finance, Measures for the Administration of Government Procurement of Imports
财政部政府采购进口产品管理办法
Government purchase of imports gives priority to technology transfer.
February 2008
Why Compliance with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Matters in China
How is it that US law can apply to certain Chinese companies and the conduct of Chinese business executives? The answer is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a broad-reaching US law enacted to prohibit bribery as a means of obtaining and retaining business. A common misperception in the business community is that the FCPA applies only to US companies and US citizens. However, under certain circumstances, the FCPA can also apply to the conduct of Chinese companies and Chinese business executives, making FCPA compliance crucial.
Guangdong Province, Outline of the Strategies on Intellectual Property Rights (Year 2007-2020)
广东省知识产权战略纲要 (2007 - 2020年)
Guangdong offers preferential tax treatment for purchase of advanced technologies and patents.
China Investment Corporation
Other Recent Legislation for This Month