Federal Maritime Commission

Federal Maritime Commission Issues Further Notice of Inquiry on Restrictive
Shipping Practices in People's Republic of China

Washington, D.C. 20573

NR 02-08

FOR RELEASE: June 28, 2002

The Commission today issued a Further Notice of Inquiry requesting comments from persons doing business in the U.S.-China trade regarding the recently proposed "Implementing Rules for the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on International Maritime Transportation" and Notice published by the Chinese Ministry of Communications (MOC) soliciting public comment on the proposed Implementing Rules. The Chinese and English versions of these Implementing Rules are available from the official website of the MOC at http://www.moc.gov.cn. The Notice requests that comments in response be submitted in writing (via fax to 86-10-65202648 or email to shipping@moc.gov) before July 15, 2002 to:

Department of Water Transport
Ministry of Communications
11 Jian Guo Men Nei Avenue
Beijing, 100736
People's Republic of China

FMC Chairman Harold J. Creel, Jr. today said, "I applaud the Government of the People's Republic of China for taking this first step towards more transparent formulation of its regulations. However, I have serious concerns about the possible impacts of these newly issued Implementing Rules on non-Chinese operators. Although the publication of this Notice, apparently in advance of the effectiveness of the Implementing Rules, is a positive development, I would encourage MOC to extend the period for comments. I believe a longer comment period would provide the shipping community a more meaningful opportunity to provide suggestions useful to MOC."