China's top legislature, the Standing Committee of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC), made its 2003 lawmaking agenda passed Monday, which includes 13 draft laws already scheduled and 30 optional draft laws.
The legislative plan was adopted by the chairman and vice-chairpersons of the 10th NPC Standing Committee Monday morning.
Six of the 13 draft laws, including the law on administrative licenses and on the securities investment fund, have been discussed by the 9th NPC Standing Committee.
The 13 drafts also include amendments to the laws on the central bank and on commercial banks.
"The two amendments are being proposed to meet the needs of China's financial development and reform", said an NPC Standing Committee report on explanation of the legislative agenda.
Another three amendments on securities, foreign trade and the postal system, along with a draft law on electronic signatures are also among the 13 bills.
"Amending the laws on securities and foreign trade will help China adapt to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the draft law on electronic signatures will accelerate China's e-commerce and e-government," said the report.
Among the 13 drafts is a bill to authorize regulatory power to the newly established Chinese Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC), which has been passed by the 10th NPC Standing Committee at its second meeting.
The 30 optional draft laws include the law on property rights, the compulsory administrative law, the law on enterprise bankruptcy and the amendment to the law on the prevention and control of contagious diseases.
(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2003)
