Since China entered the WTO in December 2001 people have
witnessed great changes in clothing, food, accommodation and
transportation.
Auto import tariffs have been slashed three times in three years
from 70-80 to 34.2-37.6 percent. Import quotas have increased by 15
percent annually since 2000, and by January 1 all auto import
restrictions will be lifted.
This has resulted in more choices and better prices, whilst
better service and financing have also been introduced.
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One of most affected sectors has been the mobile telecom industry,
with competition resulting in free received calls and prices
reduced by up to a third. Some special offers even give away free
phones for sign-ups to mobile accounts. Meanwhile, new technologies
like high-resolution camera phones have also become available.
The 3G may offer even more opportunities; insiders believe that,
as they involve a wide range of value added business and demand new
technology, they will encourage more joint ventures once licenses
are issued.
Civil aviation has also seen a lot of change, including the
regrouping of airlines, foreign investment and the appearance of
private airlines.
Tourist destinations are no longer limited to Singapore,
Malaysia and Thailand. European and South African tours are already
increasing, and Brazil, Argentina and Chile have also been approved
as destinations.
More foreign airlines mean more competition, and many airlines
have had to improve their services to keep old clients and lure new
passengers. The Civil Aviation Administration of China estimates
that passenger volume will exceed 115 million in 2004, with
double-digit growth expected?by 2010.
China's retailing sector will end its three-year transitional
period on December 11 and will then be fully open to foreign
investment.
However, market expansion in some cities is ahead of schedule.
The majority of urban residents can already shop in world famous
retailers like Carrefour and Wal-Mart.
Some Chinese retailers have been concerned by this, but Long
Yongtu, former chief representative of China's WTO negotiations and
now secretary-general of Boao Forum for Asia, believes that the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Foreign retail giants have
had a profound impact on management principles, operation methods
and management styles.
Pharmacies also now offer greater choice for consumers. Imported
and joint venture-produced medicines now account for one third of
the market, whilst in large and medium-sized cities the figure is
closer to a half. Prices of both domestic and imported medicines
have been significantly reduced.
Stricter rules defining prescription and over the counter
medicines have also helped control safety standards.
All of these changes have had lofty origins -- China's
fulfillment of its commitments to the WTO --?but have resulted
in great changes in the everyday lives of ordinary people.
(China.org.cn by Guo Xiaohong and Tang Fuchun, December 3,
2004)