Promoting reform and the rule of law

Hainan, one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, has stepped up efforts in "governing the province according to law" by bringing a range of reforms in administrative examination and approval, as well as market operations, said a senior official.

On Dec 4, the provincial government held a plenary session of the provincial committee to discuss law-related issues.

Luo Baoming, Party chief of Hainan, said during the meeting that promoting the rule of law in the province and bringing substantial reforms in different fields are of great significance to developing a modern and well-run "international tourism island".

Set against the backdrop of the country's call for yifazhiguo - or "governing the country according to law" - Hainan has been improving local regulations and reinforcing rules to establish a highly efficient government.

Reforms in local regulations include simplifying company registration procedures. Starting from this year, there is no minimum for company's registered capital, which offers opportunities for cash-strapped entrepreneurs in the province.

Entrepreneurs can also get a business license before approval of a specific business.

According to local officials, it not only simplifies the procedure for license application, more importantly, it empowers entrepreneurs to enter the market and conduct business.

In the Dongzhaigang Mangrove Forest Reserve, one of the province's scenic highlights, a range of management regulations have been renewed.

According to a plan on the mangrove reserve protection released this year, the provincial government has clarified the different protection areas of waters, wetland parks and mangrove scenic spots, and set up separate management systems to protect and preserve.

The province also issued regulations to offer legal support in regulating and supervising land use. The regulations came to effect in July.

Hainan has placed heavy stress on regulating its tourism market in recent years.

The provincial government set up a united law enforcement office in 2007 joined by 12 governmental departments to manage the booming market.

It has also been exploring an alternative way to control the power of local government and offer efficient services to the public.

It has released a "governmental power list" identifying 605 administrative examinations and approvals as well as 246 administrative services at the provincial level.

The list includes the related departments, legal references, requirements to pass the examination, procedures, details of charges and contacts, according to local officials.

Posted online, the list is open to the public. People can comment on each department's efficiency.

In September, the provincial government issued the province's first "negative list" of 29 investment limitations and prohibitions in the service industry.

The list stipulates what government can control and also "safe" areas for entrepreneurs, according to local officials.

The meeting that wrapped up two weeks ago unveiled a report covering rule of law issues for the province.

It also points out directions for lawmaking in the future.

The province offers legal support in basic fields including market equality and social well-being, as well as ecology and oceanic environmental protection.

Party chief Luo said that to carry out an extensive campaign of promoting rule of law in Hainan is an "urgent requirement" for further opening up the province and developing a more flexible administration. Luo said the campaign has four major tasks. The first is to focus on the quality of lawmaking, making each regulation practical and specific.

The second is for the government to continue to reform according to the rule of law.

The third is to bring legal justice to the society by promoting a transparent legal system.

The fourth task is to promote education to improve public awareness of the rule of law.