Legal System and Market Regulation
In 2003, regulation of the postal industry was further improved. First, postal legislation was strengthened. China Post worked closely with related government agencies to promote the revision of the Postal Law and accelerate local legislation. Throughout the year, 8 local postal laws and regulations were introduced by 7 provinces, and by the end of 2003, 26 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) have enacted 26 postal laws and regulations, introducing a large number of favorable policies for the development of postal sector. Second, China Post participated in the new round of WTO negotiations on postal and express delivery services, raised suggestions on the re-classification of organizations providing service in trade and emergency safeguard measures on service in trade and proposed the price for market access concerning WTO applicant countries. Third, following the requirements of the State Council, China Post provided entrusted services and completed the entrustment formalities for 167 international cargo companies. Fourth, law enforcement units were established. By the end of 2003, all the 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) have set up postal law enforcement units, with 7,000 plus full-time and part-time enforcement personnel, of which almost 1,000 work in full time. Fifth, China Post made great efforts to improve market order, enhance the regulation system and fulfill its supervision functions. In 2003, postal law enforcement across the nation involved almost 100,000 persons, 7,000 punishment decisions and rectification notices were issued and 48 counterfeit cases were sentenced, which have created a sound legal environment for the development of postal industry.