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China adopts new hearing rules

By Yu Tianyu (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-12-10 16:10

Newly amended rules regarding public hearings on government-set prices took effect on Monday, requiring more openness and access for consumers and the media.

Related readings:  Hearings on price setting to be more transparent  China holds hearing on roaming fee cut

The new rules require more consumers' involvement in the hearings. The number of consumers has to account for at least two-fifths or 40 percent of the total number of participants, up from one-third of the total previously.

Consumers can apply to participate in the hearings and will be chosen at random. Government departments in charge of pricing also will consign consumer organizations or other public organizations to recommend consumer participants.

Participants can also include business operators, other interested parties, experts and relevant government departments.

The amended rules require the whole hearing process is open to the public and media, including the list of participants, registration procedure, time and venues of the hearing, and acceptance of suggestions.

Also, the results of hearings and final decisions must be made public via official websites and the media.

The amendment to the rules was issued by the National Development and Reform Commission on Oct 22 after public consultations in July.