China to promote agricultural insurance

BEIJING - China on Friday issued a draft proposal on agricultural insurance regulations to solicit public opinion and promote the sound development of agricultural insurance, according to a circular published by the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council (LAOSC).

The draft says China will support agricultural insurance with favorable financing and taxation policies and will specify the duties of relevant departments.

The draft also outlines the principles for insurance companies handling agricultural insurance and the rules for operations in accordance with risk analyses, business actions and business results.

Insurance companies can entrust grassroots agricultural institutions to assist in the insurance business with paper agreements signed by the two sides, the draft says.

"Agricultural insurance has been developing fast in China, covering provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities," said an official with the LAOSC. "However, problems still exist, including a lack of continued policy supports and unclear responsibilities for relevant departments."

People can visit the official website of the LAOSC, chinalaw.gov.cn, to offer advice before June 4.