A visit to a McDonald's in downtown Beijing took a French couple on
a trip down memory lane --to a time when their purchase of two
hamburgers and a glass of Pepsi, at the price of 20.1 RMB yuan
(about 2.4 US dollars), would have had to be paid in foreign
exchange certificates.
Now foreigners can pay not only in local currency (RMB) for all
their expenses in China, including park entrance and railway and
air tickets, but at the same price as the Chinese.
Millions of overseas tourists in every corner of China now benefit
from fair treatment in traveling, accommodation, purchasing and
telecommunications, while in the past they would have paid
sometimes double the price for Chinese citizens.
A
businessman from the Republic of Korea recently realized his
long-time dream when be bought an apartment in Beijing formerly
only sold to Chinese citizens.
A
well-known bystreet in Beijing has seen a sudden surge in the
number of foreign residents as dozens of families from Britain, the
United States, Germany and Japan have moved into local rented
houses. Previously, foreigners could only live in specially
designated hotels or apartments.
With the development of the Chinese economy and opening-up policy,
a growing number of foreigners work and live in China long-term.
Figures show over 50,000 foreigners are hanging up their hats in
Beijing alone.
At
present, approximately 16,000 foreigners in Beijing have work
permits. Most of them are sent by their overseas firms, while many
others work for local organizations and enterprises.
The story is the same in metropolises like Shanghai and Guangzhou
-- tens of thousands of outlanders working and enjoying the same
treatment as Chinese.
The fair treatment extends beyond employment to insurance and legal
services. Foreigners can apply for legal aid if not able to pay
lawyers fees, said an official with the Ministry of Justice.
According to the non-discrimination principle of the World Trade
Organization (WTO), both local residents of WTO nations and
visitors should receive equal treatment in a country or region.
Since the launch of China's reform and opening-up policy in late
1970s, and especially since its WTO accession, foreigners have more
access to the Chinese service industry including finance,
insurance, telecommunications, transportation, legal services,
construction, travel agencies, medical services and retail.
In
some aspects, foreigners even enjoy some privileges and favorable
treatment beyond that of locals. Currently more than 60,000
Chinese-funded enterprises are allowed to do foreign trade, while
more than 200,000 overseas-funded firms setting up in China
automatically received licenses to import and export.
Within three years, all enterprises in China are expected to enjoy
full-fledged foreign trade rights.
Preferential policies for overseas-funded companies have
contributed to the attraction of foreign funds, and will be
gradually adjusted on the basis of market fairness, experts
noted.
Whether in business, travel or daily life, China's opening up is
benefiting both foreigners and Chinese alike.
( November 1, 2002)