Henan province, central China, has decided to allow foreign nationals as well as residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan to hear and attend as observers meetings of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress.

It is the first time that a provincial people's congress has made such a decision, according to official sources on Wednesday.

This was decided at the ongoing 22nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 10th Henan Provincial People's Congress. Foreigners and overseas Chinese who want to attend the meetings must have investment in this central China province or have lived in the province for one year and more, the resolution said.

Those who want to hear a provincial parliamentary meeting must send their application six days prior to its opening. Only 20 seats are available for local citizens and foreigners at each of the meetings.

They have to wear an ID card and pass a security sensor before entering the meeting place.

(People's Daily September 24, 2003)