Global Trade Alert

On 10 April 2009, the General Office of the State Council (of the People's Republic of China) issued GUOBANFA (2009) No. 35, titled Opinions for Further Strengthening the Management of Government Procurement. The fourth point in this document, "Upholding policy functions, further bettering the general economic and social situation" instructs government ministries and agencies that:
 
"Procurement of imported products shall be under strict audit and approval; where domestic products can meet demand, domestic products shall be purchased."
 
The document does not have legal force; rather, it is an official opinion on changes that should be studied and implemented by the ministries in order to manage government procurement better. Adoption and enforcement of the suggestions included in the document are the prerogative of the individual agencies and ministries.