中国将结束食盐专卖制度
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has confirmed that the country's salt monopoly regulation is set to be abolished, China Central Television (CCTV) reports.
中国中央电视台报道，公信部部长已经证实国家对食盐的垄断调控将被废除。
It marks the first time a government department has given a clear response to questions and rumours that have abounded for several months.
The reform will introduce more free-market mechanisms to the industry and reduce state interference in industry activities, providing a fairer platform for enterprises operating in the sector.
China introduced the salt monopoly policy in May 1996 to ensure that edible salt be supplemented with iodine, a vital nutrient.
In 2006, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued a new regulation, mandating that all new operations acquire a certificate before entering the salt industry. This regulation was canceled in April.
The China Salt Society revealed last month that the NDRC has approved the 7th edition of the reform plan. The core idea is to abolish the salt monopoly starting in 2016, and to begin letting market forces. Full details of the reform have yet to be announced.