Aokang steps up EU legal battle

By Diao Ying (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-10-25 08:46

Justifying his firm's legal action, Aokang President Wang Zhentao said: "China is a member of the World Trade Organization. As an enterprise in China, we should protect our footwear industry and defend our rights through various legal procedures and measures."

Ministry of Commerce spokesman Chong Quan said earlier that the anti-dumping duty lacks legal foundations and is not based on fact.

"It has damaged the proper rights of shoe manufacturers in China, and China will reserve the right to take further measures," said Chong.

The controversial tariff was imposed on Chinese-made leather shoes on October 7, and is set to last for two years.

Chinese shoe manufacturers have questioned the legitimacy of the investigation and research conducted by the European Union that led it to make this decision.

"The European Union's measure is inappropriate and unreasonable. It has caused consternation throughout the entire industry," said Wei Yafei.

"We support Aokang's decision, although we are not sure what impact their action will have," Wei added, cautioning that the legal procedures will be very complicated and time-consuming.

"Aokang will need to collect a vast amount of evidence and conduct detailed research in order to deal with the case, and it will also prove very costly, " Wei added.


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