A new fund that rewards honest business dealings is being launched tomorrow in Beijing as part of International Consumer's Day.

 

It has been set up by Chaoyang District's General Chamber of Commerce (GCC) and the Consumer Rights Protection Association.

 

Chengwaicheng, a furniture mall on the outskirts of Beijing, has donated 1 million yuan (US$125,000) to the fund.

 

Chaoyang District government will also contribute 100,000 yuan (US$12,500) each year to the scheme.

 

"Any enterprise or individual promoting a credible business environment can benefit from the fund," said Li Guibao, deputy director of Chaoyang GCC.

 

A detailed commercial credit database will record and monitor enterprises in the district as part of the initiative and will be used to assist in the allocation of awards from the fund.

 

"We need support from both the consumers and the government to pave the way for the operation of the database system," he added.

 

Files consisting of each enterprise's current business status, trade details, records with banks, suppliers and consumers are essential for the database system to operate, said Lu Xiang, deputy director of Chaoyang District Industrial and Commercial Bureau.

 

"The data should be updated with the latest developments of an enterprise," Lu said.

 

The scheme is aimed at making enterprises recognize the benefits of transparent and honest trading.

 

Rising complaints by consumers about so-called "special offers" and "high discounts" in stores will also be targeted by the system, according to Ma Changshan, from the Chaoyang District Consumer Rights Protection Association.

 

Chaoyang District, the capital's central business district, is home to more than half of the city's retail giants.

 

Beijing Ito Yokado, Beijing Lufthansa Shopping Center, Beijing Blue Island Tower and Beijing Scitech Shopping Center and other malls have all been encouraged to contribute to the fund and be part of the credit database.

 

Everyday consumers and social celebrities will be invited to be special supervisors of the fund and database.

 

"This is all good news for consumers," said Qiao Zhanxiang, a lawyer of Beijing Jintai Legal Agency.

 

He said that by offering donations and joining the database enterprises would be viewed in a good light.

 

The Chaoyang Commerce Bureau and the Industrial and Commercial Bureau are members of the fund's administration office.

 

(China Daily March 14, 2006)