Port management on foreign fishing vessels tightened

China has released a guideline to strengthen the inspection and management of foreign-flagged fishing vessels, and to crack down on illegal fishing.

The guideline was issued by six departments, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, for implementing the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, an international agreement China joined in April.

The guideline requires Chinese local fishery authorities to release a list of designated ports that allow foreign-flagged fishing vessels to berth.

It clarified the kinds of vessels that will fall under stricter management, and said these ships should report their information to China seven days before arrival at a Chinese port. Those that have sailed fewer than seven days should report the information when they leave the previous port.

Foreign fishing vessels that are deemed to be engaging in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing will not be allowed to enter China's ports, the guideline said.

It requires local Chinese fishery authorities to conduct spot checks on foreign fishing vessels that are allowed to enter China's ports, and pay special attention to suspicious vessels, including those rejected by other ports.

Campaign to shine light on nation's employment policies

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has launched a monthlong nationwide campaign to promote the public's awareness of the country's policies aimed at boosting employment and helping people start their own businesses.

The ministry said the campaign will focus on introducing the public to the policies developed by the central and local governments, as well as by various departments.

Authorities participating in the campaign should publicize lists of their policies and services, so that the public can gain a better understanding of them, the ministry said.

It asked them to visit companies, university campuses and residential communities to explain the policies and provide services to eligible people.

It also called for efforts to share successful local experience in implementing the policies and to find companies that are active in stabilizing and expanding their number of positions.

Plan expects China to sell 32.3 million vehicles this year

China has issued a work plan to stabilize the growth of its automobile industry, aiming to increase the number of automobiles sold this year by about 3 percent to around 32.3 million.

The plan, released by eight departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, also set a goal that the number of new energy vehicles sold should increase by about 20 percent to 15.5 million this year. In addition, the export of automobiles should continue to grow steadily, it said.

To achieve these goals, the country should expand domestic consumption of automobiles and keep improving their quality, it said.

The plan also urged relevant authorities to create a better environment, including infrastructure and regulatory policies, for the development of the automobile industry, and to enhance the industry's openness to encourage international cooperation.

The automobile industry is a key industry that supports a nation's economy, an official from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said.

China's automobile industry has grown for three consecutive years, making important contributions to the country's macroeconomic growth, the official said.

But tasks remain arduous to maintain the steady growth of the industry, which faces issues including more complicated internal and external situations, intensifying competition overseas and a lack of effective demand, the official said.

Wang Qingyun