3. To function as a trade representative, self-regulation and line coordination
First, to function as a trade representative. Port association should perform on behalf of member's interests and benefits, to stand at member's position by timely reflecting their requirements. For instance, during the period of system reform for port management, our association has frequently made wide surveys into relevant ports by listening to comments, and send final reports to governmental departments to disclose process of system reform and to provide first-hand information for decision-making. Recently, our association has continuously organized a series investigation on the issue of the charges for port security and customs clearance etc. Followed by offering our comments and suggestions on trade behalf to relevant governmental departments.
Secondly, stick to function of self-regulation. This is both the requirement by market economy and protection of member's rights and benefits. Thanks to work out trade regulations, observe self-discipline and cultivate trade credibility, to gradually establish and improve an open, fair and order port marketplace oriented by socialist market economy system. In view of discrepancy in geographical, natural and social development, we actualize our member's important roles in self-regulation mostly through closer business and cooperation relations with our affiliates and branch associations. For example, container branch association has recently enacted a trade convention to limit overload and regular tariffs in tackling with problems on domestic container transportation.
Recently, both Ministry of Communications and State Development and Reform Commission have released a notice to adjust tariff regulation and norms in connection with domestic trade business, announcing completely unlimited to levying cargo handling and storage since August 1 this year. In order to prevent any frustration and unhealthy reaction to adjustment of levying, and to protect trade and member's rights and benefits, our association is now highlighting preliminary stewardship to an overall tariff mechanism covering the areas of Yangtze Valley, Pearl River Valley and Bohai Ring Area to insure successful implementation of tariff restructuring.
Thirdly, to play role in trade coordination. To streamline interrelations between port enterprises and competent agencies in governmental level, and to coordinate relations among all members in order to maximum mutual benefits. For example, the ports alongside Yangtze River should fully play their function as "Golden Waterway" to get mutual development of port business. As result, various ports in this region have reached an agreement after sufficient consultations to setup a coordination mechanism in order to get coordination in port planning, container transport and tariff for cargo handling. Thanks to this coordination mechanism, all ports in Yangtze Valley have resultantly got well communicated and stronger collaborated, and more healthy development in ports at Yangtze River is expected. In April this year was the sixth council of China Ports & Harbours Association inaugurated, our association has setup a working system headed by Director-General in order to fully use function of collective leadership. Under this system Director-General and deputy directors-General will have regular meetings to get consultation on the issues most concerns and obtain united understanding and agreement as to protect common rights and benefits of our members.
(November 07,2005)
