Private companies to be offered free legal advice

Judicial administrations and bar associations across China will set up legal teams to provide free services to private enterprises this year, the Ministry of Justice said on Wednesday.

"The national activity is aimed at meeting the needs of companies, safeguarding their rights and interests and helping them improve their governance structures," said Zhou Yuansheng, a senior ministry official.

The move will also help prevent legal risks, resolve disputes and improve operations, management and decision-making based on rule of law, as well as provide solid legal protection for the development of the private economy, he said.