China consults public opinion on draft foreign investment law

China’s top legislature on Dec 26 published the full text of a draft foreign investment law to consult public opinion.

The draft law was submitted to the ongoing session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which opened on Dec 23.

Once adopted, the unified foreign investment law will replace three existing laws, namely the laws on Chinese-foreign equity joint ventures, non-equity joint ventures (or contractual joint ventures) and wholly foreign-owned enterprises.

Necessary mechanisms on the facilitation, protection and management of foreign investment are written into the draft law, such as the pre-establishment national treatment and negative list management, equal supportive policies and equal participation in government procurement.

The public can give their opinions through the NPC website or send their opinions by mail. The deadline for submitting opinions is Feb 24, 2019.