When China's ruling mandarins complete the biggest transfer of power in a decade at the National People's Congress this month, China's World Trade Organisation commitments will figure prominently on the national agenda.

Led by President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, China's autocratic body politic are expected to have their work cut out as China's faces its second year of growing pains as a WTO member.

As part of its WTO commitment, China agreed to gradually reduce tariffs, eliminate restrictions on foreign investment and open up its market to foreign companies by 2007.

In exchange, Chinese goods are

supposed to gain wider access to the global market place.

"Its decision to join the WTO represents the leadership's decision to face globalisation

and become part of the world economy," said City University of Hong Kong analyst Joseph Cheng,

As a result, China's WTO commitments will heavily dominate its policy agenda.

Most members of the 144-strong global trade club have largely applauded China's compliance during its first year of membership.

Even the United states, which had previously voiced serious concerns about China's ability to live up to its obligations admitted that the mainland's performance had been better than expected since it joined in December 2001.