Legal

New distribution regulations released in 2003 as well as the landmark M&A rules have changed the landscape for foreign investment in publishing distribution.

Taiwan has made greater private sector participation in infrastructure projects a government priority. A look into how conducive the regulatory environment to realization of government policy is in this area.

The Procedures apply to law firms having already established representative offices in the Mainland. Association with Mainland law firms may not take the form of a partnership or a legal person, and shall retain independence of both parties in terms of legal status, names and finances. Fulfilling criteria listed therein, the Procedures provide application procedures for association submitted by the Hong Kong and Macao SAR law firms.

The Procedures represents the China Banking Regulatory Commission's administration of offshore financial institutions' investment and equity participation in Chinese-invested banks, credit cooperatives, and finance companies. Rules are stipulated as to the eligibility of investing offshore institutions (including the year-end total assets, credit ratings, profitability, capital adequacy ratio) and the maximum investment and equity participation ratio. CBRC's approval is required under the Procedures for the application for foreign investment, the change in registered capital or equity structure, as well as shareholders composition. Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan institutions are regarded as foreign institutions under the Procedures.

By Tarrant M. MahonyAs part of China¡¦s on-going battle to rationalize the management and operation of its water industry, promote national development…

By Tarrant M. MahonyAs part of China¡¦s on-going battle to rationalize the management and operation of its water industry, promote national development…

2003 was an eventful year in China's customs law and practice. Here two of our authors take a look at problems and progress in China's adjustment to WTO.

A new law issued by the Ministry of Commerce and others has allowed for the establishment of wholly foreign-owned export procurement agencies.

The authors examine the legal framework for foreign investment in energy across the oil and gas, electric power and coal industries.