TAIPEI - Officials from Taiwan’s Ministry of Commerce have expressed concerns about Mainland China’s control of its economy. Government control in China often takes the form of a government run monopoly, and when it doesn't, businesses and industries are still either government controlled or have inherent monopolistic tendencies. Strong local protection further strengthens the companies’ control of the marketplace.

According to Ren Shangming, the director of the Ministry of Commerce’s Anti-Monopoly Investigation Office, the lack of competition can be addressed by establishing anti-trust laws to promote and protect business development under the rules of fair competition and prevent the formation of monopolies. Anti-trust laws can help form a market-based business selection mechanism, provide effective legal protection, and promote economic growth.

Ren said that the anti-trust law, the so-called “basic economic law,” was a legislative project officially proposed at the 8th and 9th National People’s Congresses. The draft of the law officially started in 1994. After the State Department went through organization reform, the Ministry of Commerce took over the responsibility of finishing the draft. Currently, the final draft of the anti-trust law is under review.

According to Ren, the final draft of the anti-trust law includes not only a ban of administrative monopolies and abuse of market domination, but establishes the legal responsibilities of anti-trust offices. It has also set up related rules based on the special needs and characteristics of China.