The 65th permanent session of the State Council presided over by Premier Zhu Rongji deliberated and approved in principle laws (draft) on port administration and on the prevention of radio-active pollution.

The session believes that a law on port administration is necessary as ports are important infrastructure in national economy and social development. The law is designed to bring into fuller play the role of ports in economic and social development and conform to the new situation in the wake of the restructuring in port administration. It will guarantee the management of ports in accordance with law, prevent repetitions of construction and enhance international competitiveness.

Thanks to hard efforts of years, nuclear energy and technology have been widely applied in China's national defense, medicine, energy, industry, agriculture and scientific research. The session maintains that it plays a very positive role in safeguarding China's security, promoting the national economy and social development and enhancing the comprehensive national strength. It is imperative to set up a law for the prevention of radioactive pollution on the basis of our own and foreign experiences to ensure the protection of the environment and human health and the promotion of the development and peaceful utilization of nuclear energy and technology.

The session decides to present the two draft laws to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for deliberation and endorsement.

(www.cenews.com.cn December 2, 2002)