China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) issued two management documents for cross-border trade in services in free trade zones and other regions on March 22.
It is the first time that China has adopted negative-list management on cross-border services nationwide.
The two documents, effective as of April 21, show China’s firm resolution on deepening reform and opening-up. The statement said that the negative list for free trade zones (FTZ) has 68 measures and that for other regions has 71. Both lists cover 11 sectors or industries.
The statement noted that the negative list for free trade zones will facilitate further opening up in the financial and cultural services. It allows overseas individuals to apply for and open securities and futures accounts as well as provide consulting services on investments in securities and futures. The list reduces the required number of Chinese staff in the production team of a Sino-foreign TV series from no less than one-third to no less than a quarter.
The list also removes restrictions on overseas business entities and individuals engaged in customs clearance businesses.
The list removes some requirements for foreign nationals in six professions working in the FTZs, including real-estate appraisers, auctioneers, registered engineers for survey and design and veterinarians.
The statement says that the government will treat domestic and overseas services providers equally in fields not mentioned in the lists.
Old Version
