The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) plans to expand the scope of its warning and monitoring mechanism on potential harm to the industrial sector in 2006. A comprehensive safety information database covering 10 industries and 400 products and comprising a direct report system for 10,000 enterprises will be set up, which will make up an important part of the public business information services system.

At a forum on the warning and monitoring mechanism on potential harm to the petroleum and chemicals industries, Wang Qinhua, head of MOFCOM's Industry Injury Investigation Bureau, said that the China National Chemical Information Centre has been commissioned by MOFCOM since 2003 to conduct studies on a warning and monitoring mechanism on potential harm to key chemical products. Among a total of 1,500 chemical products, products with unusual performances are to be identified for detailed investigation and tracking. Over the past two years, tracking and in-depth analyses have been carried out on 32 key products. Comprehensive reports have also been compiled.

In 2006, MOFCOM will put major efforts in strengthening the analysing capability of the warning mechanism on potential harm to the industrial sector and improving the software for sending, analysing and disseminating data. More studies will also be conducted to evaluate the impact of changes in international economic and trade developments on China's industries and their competitiveness.

Moreover, steps will be taken to ensure that functions of the warning system on potential harm to the industrial sector will be fully utilised. Relevant information will be distributed in a timely manner through the China Trade Remedies Information Website and its senior members' zone. Other information dissemination channels such as seminars will also be established to serve as platforms for exchanges of information and experiences.

From 1997 to March 2006, China has initiated 43 investigations related to the anti-dumping of imported products (79% of which involved petrochemical products) and implemented one safeguard measure. Through such actions, China has effectively protected the legal rights of the affected industries and enterprises.