Shanghai's quality supervision authorities launched a databank on Thursday on major industrial products for export to the European Union, which provides information on what is needed in the EU market to Chinese exporters.

Shanghai is ready to launch more databanks next year on industrial products for North America and Japan and agricultural products to different destinations, the report said.

The WTO entry is a challenge for the municipal government, which needs to redefine its role, Shanghai Mayor Xu Kuangdi said.

Earlier this year, the Shanghai government said it would reduce administrative procedures by 50 per cent and would not interfere with corporate affairs.

With improved efficiency, customs clearance takes only four to 10 hours now, compared with the previous 48 hours.

Communiques of the municipal government, once a token of supreme authority only for government offices, have been demystified for ordinary citizens, who can get a free copy at most newsstands.

Shanghai has also enacted laws and regulations to ban regional protectionism, protect intellectual property and reinforce quality in preparation for the WTO entry. Personnel training is also underway to meet requirements for more professionals.

Meanwhile, a panel of senior advisers for WTO affairs will soon be set up. Supachai Panitchpakdi, WTO's incoming director-general, will probably be a member of the panel, according to the China Youth Daily.

(Xinhua News Agency 10/02/2001)