This book, first published in 1988, is a comprehensive reference of the laws and practice relating to trade between China and the rest of the world, at a time when the country had only recently opened its markets to foreigners. It shows how China wished to develop foreign trade, the methods it used to do this, and the means by which it attempted to control foreign access at the same time as moving to an increasing openness.

This reference outlines the regulations governing customs and duties; banking, foreign exchange and joint venture; oil and other energy sources; and trademarks. It will be useful for individuals and corporations who have or are considering business involvement in the PRC.

The Chinese market is appealing, but its legal environment is very complicated and full of nooses that await investors. This book intends to provide an in-depth analysis of the legal environment and its hidden risks for foreign investment. It covers two basic investment modes which are green-field and M and A, and almost all concrete legal issues including political risk, tax, land use rights, labor etc. Among them, three chapters focus on the legal system and its risks for the foreign investment in three special industries as private education, water market and insurance. The detailed analysis is based on the newest laws and regulations.

Prepared by the East Asian Institute, NUS, which promotes research on East Asian developments particularly the political, economic and social development of contemporary China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), this series of research reports is intended for policy makers and readers who want to keep abreast of the latest developments in China. This volume summarises four features of the common principles of foreign investment laws in market economies and surveys four aspects of recent developments in Chinese foreign investment laws towards these principles.