CHINA should eradicate the rampant growth ''copycat'' activities if it wants to re-enter the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), according to veteran Hongkong politician Ms Maria Tam Wai-chu.
The newly-appointed Hongkong delegate to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference called for the stepping up of the investigations and prosecution of activities that infringed upon copyrights.
This would enhance the reputation of China in the international community, attract more foreign funds for the development of high-end and value-added products, as well as increasing the chances of rejoining the world trade body, Ms Tam said.
Noting the coastal region had already become a base for fake goods, she said the issue was important in any talks in GATT because such activities could damage the job opportunities of other countries.
Apart from increasing the threat of retributive trade sanctions from other countries, Ms Tam said fake products would turn away foreign investors.
The development of industry and commerce and the exchange of skill would be directly affected.