The action and its aims
The city of Guangzhou amended regulations governing the city’s grain, oil and commodity reserves to include new procedures for supervising stocks, inspecting quality and safety (including heavy metal content), and auctions and procurement. The aim was to establish an optimal, flexible, and science-based system for the city government to reserve grain, to meet the changing food needs of Guangdong Province and to reduce price fluctuations.
When it was introduced
The amendments to the original 2003 regulations were introduced in 2015.
Why it was needed
The amendments were needed due to changes in Chinese society in the intervening 12 years. The population of Guangzhou increased from around 9.5 million in 2005 to 13 million in 2014, accompanied by rapid economic growth. As a result, procedures for managing grain reserves no longer met the needs of the city or province.
Who initiated it, who is involved
The amendments were initiated by Guangzhou Municipal Government and affect the functions and responsibilities of all administrative departments. In particular, the amendments ascribe responsibility for ensuring sufficient overall quantity of grains and oils to the Guangzhou Municipal Development and Reform Commission.
Impacts to date
No impact data were found in the public domain.
