Judicial administration to strengthen ties with industry and commerce federations

The Ministry of Justice and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce have agreed to strengthen the connection between judicial administrative organs and the federation's local branches at and above the county level in order to create a favorable legal environment for China's private economy.

According to their joint guideline on the work, the cooperation will cover 21 issues in eight aspects, including the establishment of mechanisms for conducting joint surveys, seeking opinion on the legislative work, carrying out legal publicity, providing legal support for private enterprises, and promoting diversified dispute resolution.

The cooperation will also focus on pushing such agendas as enhancing chamber of commerce-led mediation, rolling out the government lawyer system within industry and commerce federations, expanding the pilot corporate lawyer program among private enterprises, and promoting the adoption of arbitration.

The guideline also specifies ways for the two sides to conduct daily communication and information sharing, and stresses the important role of law firms and lawyers.