Authorities ramp up crackdown on monopolies

Chinese authorities have investigated and dealt with 187 cases related to the formation of monopolies last year amid efforts to strengthen the crackdown on such conduct and promote fair competition, the country's top market regulator said.

According to a report published Thursday on the website of the State Administration for Market Regulation, more than 784 million yuan ($114.84 million) in fines was issued in these cases.

The administration said that progress was made last year in improving laws and regulations related to monopolies, strengthening supervision and law enforcement in key fields, and carrying out multiple measures to secure fair competition. Also last year, the Anti-Monopoly Law was revised for the first time in 15 years.

Such efforts have helped boost confidence in the development of the country's more than 160 million businesses, and will spur their competitiveness and drive innovation, it said.

This year, the administration said it will improve supervision over companies to prevent monopolies.

Tour buses must ensure access to seat belts

Chinese authorities said tour buses must have seat belts to ensure passenger safety, according to a notice jointly issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Transport.

The notice, which was published on Friday, said the regulation aims to reduce the number of casualties caused by traffic accidents.

It said that travel agencies must clearly state the availability of seat belts when entering into a contract with companies that provide chartered buses for tourists.

These companies are responsible for ensuring that every passenger has access to seat belts, the notice said. Buses with seat belts that are faulty should not carry tourists until they have been repaired.

Local public security authorities are also required to check that seat belts are being used.

These checks should be conducted near expressway toll stations, service zones, and scenic areas where there will be more medium- and large-sized passenger buses, it said.

GBA talent eligible for multiple-entry visas

Talented individuals working in certain sectors in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will be eligible for multiple-entry visas to the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions starting from Feb 20, according to a statement issued by the National Immigration Administration on Thursday.

The move seeks to facilitate scientific research and academic exchanges for talent in the area and promote the development of the GBA, the statement said.

According to the administration, those eligible for the visas include people who have made outstanding contributions to the area's development, as well as those working in such sectors as science and research, education, health, and legal.

Candidates will be able to apply for visas ranging from one to five years, depending on the eligibility category they fall under. The permits will allow multiple visits between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao for stays of no longer than 30 days each time, it said.