ANY hopes that international telecommunications companies might soon obtain direct access to China's burgeoning market were ruled out yesterday by Wu Jichuan, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications.
He said that while the issue was of great concern to foreigners who wished to obtain licences to operate telecommunications networks, it was premature to suggest any opening up in China.
He could make no guesses as to when there might be a relaxation, given that there was no precedent in the world for foreigners to be allowed to fully operate a communications network.
He stressed the role of foreign capital in building up China's telecommunications network, and said that about $6 billion had been committed so far.
Now the government planned to explore new ways of using foreign capital, which could offer foreigners even greater participation - but under strict controls.
'That is, allowing foreigners to join in the investment in telecommunications projects and get their returns according to the mode agreed, under the precondition that they will not hold equities or involve themselves in the operations and management of the telecommunications business,' he said.
The attraction for foreign network companies was clear.