Features & Analyses

On March 13 2002 the Ministry of Justice issued new regulations governing Hong Kong and Macao law firms working in China. A wider business scope for these firms may be in the offing, but don't hold your breath.

An article about the changing nature of legal work in China, which profiles some of the leading domestic and international firms that are shaping the legal scene.

China's recent entry into the WTO raises the essential question of what has driven reforms.

Counterfeiting remains a pressing issue for the PRC government. New measures are pursued and the government is placing greater reliance on criminal enforcement to deter counterfeit problems.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) recently issued regulations that partly liberalize the set up of new bank sub-branches and cash points by commercial banks.

The fight against intellectual property rights remains problematic as counterfeits in China increases.

New CSRC regulations require additional information disclosure in prospectuses issued by foreign invested companies limited by shares.

The State Council promulgated the Guiding the Direction of Foreign Investment Provisions (the 2002 Provisions), which are effective as of April 1 2002. A closer look at these important regulations, the momentum for market liberalization in China and further legal changes governing a range of industries can be expected.

Corporate research in China is a thriving business, a wealth of corporate information is collected and stored by government institutions, and bureaucratic channels are the most effective sources for corporate research in China.