On Government’s Responsibility In Development Of Chamber Commerce

Chamber commerce organizations, one of the earliest social groups of modern time along Chinese modern history, speaks for itself in its influence. As the bridge that connects the government and the businesses, chamber of commerce has been playing an instrumental role in market economic development as well as the social administration of government. At present, chamber of commerce in China is beset with obstacles in development, with many remaining to be improved in building up regimes for chamber of commerce. As being closely-related to the chamber of commerce, the government must take its part in improving chamber regimes as well as promoting sound and orderly development of chamber commerce organization.To do the study on chamber of commerce from the academic perspective, we must try to under the term in broad sense and make distinction between chamber of commerce and industry associations. Born in the late Qing dynasty, modern chamber of commerce has been growing after undergoing three stages of development. As to the organization properties of chamber of commerce, the author holds that chamber of commerce is a legal entity of public welfare. The paper will discuss in detail the self-governance of the chamber commerce organizations, the most important feature within it. The right of self-governance is rational for its coming from the assignment of chamber members on the basis of the contract. The rights lie in setting rules, managing affairs, punishment and etc.. The chamber of commerce will exercise various functions like providing service and information, coordination, restraint and political functions.As for the multiple connections in between, the generation of chamber of commerce has much to do with the government. They are both independent and interdependent each other, cooperating with each other in accordance with labor division with the government supervising the self-governance of the chamber of commerce.At this stage, chambers of commerce in China are confronted.with many problems in the course of development. We haven’t yet set up a unified legislation so far, with legislation mode being in confusion. The legal status of chamber of commerce remains unclear, with no consensus in the political documents from the central government or the regulations within the chamber of commerce. The chamber of commerce fails to give full play to its function, even fails to achieve universal recognition from the industrialists and businessmen. Its independence also suffers from the intervention of the administrative organs to some certain extent. The outdated supervision system "Dual Management Modes", which the government has adopted over the chamber of commerce at present, also impedes the growing and expansion of the chamber commerce. Besides, the chamber commerce also has various problems in its internal management. Those government-run chambers of commerce like the Federation of Industry and Commerce, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade are also beset with difficulties.The government should take various responsibilities in order to improve the developing environment for the chamber of commerce and build up a perfect system. Firstly, the government should clarify the relationship between the government and the chamber of commerce and respect the chamber’s independent status. Secondly, efforts should also be made to promote the government’s transformation and set up platform to intensity the communication between the government and the chamber of commerce. Thirdly, the government should make clear division between the government’s executive power and the chamber’s rights. Fourthly, reforms should also be made over the outdated supervision modes. Lastly, the government should strengthen the assistance to the chamber of commerce within the frame of legal system.