Minister's promotion is confirmed

Bo Xilai was formally named commerce minister yesterday, Xinhua reported.

The former Liaoning governor's promotion was first reported by state media two weeks ago and approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress yesterday.

Mr Bo, 54, will replace Lu Fuyuan, who is reported to be terminally ill. Xinhua said Zhang Wenyue, a deputy party secretary of Liaoning, had succeeded Mr Bo as governor.

Mr Bo is the son of party elder Bo Yibo. As commerce minister he will preside over the country's external and domestic trade policies, foreign investment and compliance with World Trade Organisation regulations.