Vice Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng said at a recent national conference that the ministry encourages Chinese enterprises to apply for market economy status. He suggested four methods they could use to improve the situation.

First, improve the countermeasure mechanism and make full use of the Ministry of Commerce, local commerce authorities, intermediaries and other involved enterprises.

Second, observe import and export fluctuations through international cooperation and statistics exchange, and set up comprehensive early-warning systems.

Third, keep close watch on the development of key industries and be aware of the impact of imported products on these industries. Hard-hit sectors like steel, petrochemicals, automobiles and agriculture will receive relief when necessary.

Fourth, provide training to improve enterprises' awareness of trade relief measures that can protect their legal rights and interests, and strengthen their ability to withstand foreign trade barriers.

Representatives of the color TV and furniture sectors, which have experienced huge losses as a result of China's non-market economy status, were particularly interested in Gao's advice.

Liu Haizhong, spokesman for the Changhong Group, a leading Chinese TV manufacturer, said that the company was willing to provide evidence.

Furniture makers complained that US has ignored the sector's rapid development. They said that they would provide statistics to support their position in the US anti-dumping investigation.

Experts believe that if the color TV and furniture sectors succeed, more Chinese industries will follow suit and full MES will be within reach.

(China.org.cn by Tang Fuchun June 21, 2004)

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