China has decided to abolish two laws banning overseas investment
in its telecom sector. A source with the Chinese Ministry of
Information Industry said that the move, to be effective as of
December 11, represents part of China's efforts to meet its
commitment to further opening its market after its WTO entry.
The laws to be abolished are the Provisional Regulations on the
Administration of Examining and Approving Telecommunications
Businesses issued on September 11, 1993, and the Provisional
Regulations on the Administration of the Telecommunications Market
enacted on November 10, 1995.
Both laws prohibit overseas-funded businesses in China as well as
overseas individuals, enterprises, and other bodies from entering
the Chinese telecommunications market.
( December 2, 2001)