State Council Issues Local Protectionism Ban

Xinhua News Agency was authorized to publish Sunday a circular issued by the State Council prohibiting protectionism by localities in any form, in a bid to build and improve a unitary, fair and orderly market system in China.

Premier Zhu Rongji signed a decree to this effect on April 21, ordering that the ban will take effect on the day the circular is published.

According to the regulations, comprising 28 articles, no unit or individual is allowed to violate relevant laws and regulations to stop or interfere in the sale and purchase of products and services from other parts of the country.

Departments responsible for such activities will be punished according to law and those who committed crimes will be sought for their criminal responsibilities.

(Xinhua 04/29/2001)