Since the beginning of 2002, China's foreign trade and investment had developed in a stable way, with a more satisfying growth of foreign investment than expected, she said.

In the first half-year, contracted foreign investment totaled US$43.99 billion, up 31.5 percent over the same period of 2001, while foreign investment in use grew 18.7 percent to US$24.58 billion, she said.

China would continue to reform administrative approval systems, push forward administration by law, promote government efficiency and create a healthy business environment to attract more foreign investment, she said.

MOFTEC would endeavor to optimize foreign investment structure, making investment serve the Chinese economic restructure, enhance competitiveness and help China's western development strategy, she said.

China Designates Official Gazette on Trade Policy

China has designated the China Foreign Economic and Trade Gazette as the official publication for all trade-related information in accordance with its pledge on accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the spokeswoman said.

Gao Yan said that with the approval of the State Council, the gazette would be published on a trial basis from October 1 and formal publication would begin on January 1, 2003.

All policy involving goods and services trade, trade-related intellectual property, foreign exchange management and other relevant measures will be included in the publication.

The publication is based on a current version of the MOFTEC Gazette, which is compiled and edited by MOFTEC, which will continue to be its compiler.

Gao said the gazette would be sent free to relevant government departments of China, foreign official representative offices and international organizations based in China and to China's libraries. Enterprises and individuals could subscribe at a price.

(People's Daily July 31, 2002)