The management system of non-vessel-operating services was established in China after the Regulation on International Maritime Transportation became effective on January 1, 2001.

According to the ministry, non-vessel-operating services are new businesses in line with the development of international maritime transportation and international maritime container freight.

Deputy Minister of Communications Hong Shanxiang said the Regulation is implemented for the purposes of regulating international maritime transportation operations, performing the promises China has made to the World Trade Organization, maintaining the order of the international maritime transportation market and safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the relevant parties involved in international maritime transportation.

Currently, China's vessels engaged in international maritime transportation can carry a total of 37 million tons of goods, ranking fifth in the world.

More than 20 maritime transportation enterprises registered abroad have set up branches in China. Among the international maritime container liner operators, more than 60 overseas enterprises have opened international lines at China's ports, sharing over 65 percent of the market.

China's international maritime transportation business has become an open industry with stiff competition, said Hong.

(People's Daily April 4, 2002)