Chinese political advisors have lambasted the monopolized power in some government agencies and state-run corporations, urging the anti-monopoly law to be passed at an earlier date.

 

The draft of law, first-ever in China, was submitted for deliberation to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the parliament, last June after its approval by the State Council, or cabinet.

 

Hao Ruyu, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body, said that private investment fails to enter key industries because of high thresholds created by relevant government departments.

 

The monopoly often leads to inefficient, over-sized state-owned enterprises, said Hao, also vice president of Beijing-based Capital University of Economics and Business, lashing government departments such as the General Administration of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Information Industry.

 

Hao said the aviation administration has exclusive power over fixing air ticket fares, approving air routes and appointing officials for state-owned carriers, while the information industry takes charge of both issuing telecommunication licenses and setting up phone charge policies.

 

CPPCC member Li Wei, vice mayor of Jiangmen in south China's Guangdong Province, said the draft, if passed, will play a positive role in creating a fair market environment and give an impetus to China's economy growth.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2007)