In the medicine trade sector alone, 772 million yuan (US$95 million) were involved in kickbacks each year, accounting for almost 16 per cent of the industry's revenue, statistics from the Ministry of Commerce show.

    Despite all of the public's bemoaning and the government's endeavours to check corruption, many public servants still abuse their power for personal gain, typically by taking bribery offered by some enterprises.

    The difficulties obtaining evidence of commercial bribery might have misled some officials to believe the potential gains of corruption far outweigh the risks.

    Meanwhile, some businesspeople offering bribes wrongfully argued that such corrupt activities could facilitate their businesses.

    During the country's transition from central planning to a market economy, the role of the government has not been well distinguished from that of the market, leaving much room for some officials to exert discretionary influences on businesses.

    Indeed, it will take time to plug all those loopholes of governance. But it is no excuse to wink at commercial bribery now.

    Robust growth over the past 25 years demonstrated the resilience of the Chinese economy, even in face of many corruption cases.

    But in the long run, no country can afford the social, political or economic costs that corruption entails. A clean government and a fair market environment will largely define the nation's competitiveness in future.

    Anti-bribery has become an issue of major political and economic significance. Further adapting the country's governance to an increasingly market-oriented economy is crucial to maintain economic dynamism.

    The government and the businesses must combat commercial bribery standing side-by-side.

    (Source: China Daily)