China solicits public opinions on regulating price-related acts of platform economy

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Saturday began to solicit public opinions on a draft regulation of price-related acts for internet platform companies to promote the healthy development of the sector.

The draft regulation, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the Cyberspace Administration of China, focuses on guiding the operators of the platform economy to set prices independently in accordance with the law, clarifying requirements for price labeling, and regulating their price competition behaviors.

The move aims to establish a transparent and predictable price-related regulation mechanism for the sector, said an official from the NDRC, China's top economic planner.

The operators of the platform economy are required to clearly indicate the prices or charging standards for products and services on their websites and related channels, according to the draft regulation, which noted that no fees beyond the labeled prices should be collected.

The draft regulation was formulated in accordance with the country's relevant laws and regulations, and is expected to help maintain a fair market environment and protect the legitimate rights and interests of platform economy operators and consumers, the official said.

The draft is open to public feedback for one month, according to the NDRC. ■