Wind-power market limit swept clear for foreign firms

HANGZHOU: China will drop a requirement that most of the components of wind power-related equipment be made within its borders, a beneficial move for foreign companies who argue that they have been locked out of China's wind-power market.

Commerce Minister Chen Deming announced the move at a press conference in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, to repeal the requirement set in 2007 by the National Development and Reform Commission. Chen was attending the 20th China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade.

The regulation had stated that all local governments use more than 70 percent locally made technologies and products in their wind power facilities.