The Chinese government has been revising and abolishing laws and regulations to fit in with the WTO framework since its entry to the world trading body to better implement its commitments, an official with the State Council said at a WTO legal issue symposium yesterday.

The National People's Congress, China's legislature, had enacted and revised 14 trade-related laws by the end of last year, said Li Shishi, an official with the State Council.

Meanwhile, the State Council has enacted and revised 38 administrative regulations and revoked 12, he said.

Li made the remarks at the two-day International Symposium on Legal Issues in WTO Doha Agenda which opened yesterday in Shanghai.

"China has made great efforts during the process" on the long and difficult road, said Sergio Marchi, Canadian ambassador to the WTO, at the symposium, commending China's efforts to realize its WTO pledges.

This year has also seen national laws and regulations concerning administrative approbation, Sino-foreign education cooperation and qualification certification put in place, according to Li.

"The government is busy setting up and revising laws regulating commercial banks, foreign trade, import and export tariffs and intellectual property protection. Issues, such as how to define the origins of import or export goods, are also under discussion," Li said.

Li said the law reform is aimed at facilitating trade and transparency.

"China has lowered its average import tariffs to 11 per cent from 15.3 per cent since it entered the World Trade Organization and raised Customs efficiency," the official noted.

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