INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER CRITICIZES CHINA’S MARITIME RULES

INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER CRITICIZES CHINA’S MARITIME RULES    The International Chamber of Shipping told Chinese lawmakers that the country’s new maritime regulations, if left unchanged, would restrict competition and discriminate against non-Chinese shipping companies.
   “We would be concerned if the regulations and proposed rules created significant administrative obstacles and burdens and introduced government controls on matters that should essentially remain matters of the commercial parties involved,” said the International Chamber of Shipping in a statement to China’s Ministry of Communications.
   In particular, the International Chamber of Shipping, which represents national shipowners’ associations in 39 countries, expressed concern about rate filing and confidentiality.
   “Our concern is that the proposed regime will be intrusive and damaging,” the group said. “It is essential that there should be no governmental interference in rate setting; that confidentiality of contracts should be respected; and that any further rules should be the subject of consultation.”
   The International Chamber of Shipping also criticized limitations placed on branch offices and licensing of intermediaries under China’s new maritime rules.
   The group has asked the Chinese government to consider “a less intrusive regime, more in line with those of China’s major trading partners.”