On the 28 October this year the new Environmental Impact                      Assessment Law (EIA) was promulgated. It clarifies environmental                      requirements that affect foreign investors, roles of government                      departments, and liability for non-compliance. The law will                      become effective from September 2003, which will leave time                      for foreign investors, government departments, and companies                      to become up to speed with the requirements. The law will                      strengthen a trend toward higher technical standards and stricter                      enforcement.