The National People's Congress has passed the amendments to China's Criminal Procedural Law that make first instance courts more secretive than ever. The changes contradict a statement by Supreme People's Court President Wang Shengjun for more reforms to open up China's legal system.

Circular on Promoting the Compliant Development of Equity Investment Enterprises

Ma Mingqiang, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Centre, has urged Chinese enterprises to go to ASEAN countries for their outbound investment. But it is not clear whether government support will be enough to spark an investment boom in the region

Preferential policies for cross-strait investment are benefiting Taiwanese entrepreneurs. While some are still concerned about risks such as exit restrictions and the dispute resolution mechanism, foreign financial institutions are already benefiting from the growing business.

As franchising increases in China, the Ministry of Commerce has released new measures for greater disclosures, including more information when signing agreements.

Under the PRC Social Insurance Law, effective July 2011, all foreigners had to pay in to the government's five insurance policies. Many complained about the new rules. Six months on, CLP looks at the enforcement of these measures.

Including: Measures for the Administration of Information Disclosure in Connection with Commercial Franchising

Implementing Regulations for the PRC Law on the Invitation and Submission of Bids

Public invitations for bids must be carried out for projects with controlling or majority investments from state-owned funds.