China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Friday quietly announced concrete steps to revise and eliminate restrictions set forth in their centrally administered Negative List on inbound foreign investment. In addition, the Vice President Liu He's upcoming visit to Washington and President Xi's speech in December celebrating the 40th anniversary of opening up and reform both show the intention to bring further market openings.
Read MoreVice Premier Liu He arrives next week for second round of trade talks, likely late next week Focus will be on reducing the trade deficit through increasing purchases, market access for key products, tech transfer, and intellectual property rights Finding some kind of resolution on ZTE will be a Chinese priority
Read MoreSignificant restructuring of the government was announced this week at the National People’s Congress (NPC); biggest reform since former Premier Zhu Rongji’s in 1998. Eight ministries and seven commissions were eliminated or streamlined to create 26. This structure reflects President Xi’s priorities, allows for better coordination, and reduces turf wars.
Read MoreLiu He, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and the director of the office of the Central Finance Leading Group, delivered a speech on “China’s Economic Policy” at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on January 24th.
Read MoreMinister Liu He, the trusted economic adviser to President Xi Jinping, gave a much-anticipated speech to the Davos attendees. In keeping with the new normal in China post 19th Party Congress, Liu quoted President Xi: “As long as we keep to the goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind and work hand in hand to fulfill our responsibilities and overcome difficulties, we will be able to create a better world and deliver better lives for our people."
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