ABSTRACT
A state enterprise contemplating setting up a new factory would first need to secure the approval of its governing bureau. The bureau may well, indeed, have initiated the project. Either way, the position of the bureau remains bolstered by banks being unlikely to grant loans without evidence of the bureau’s agreement. The enterprise then has to embark on negotiating its way through a maze of po-po in an effort to secure from each the ubiquitous red stamp of approval. Each operates independently, with little coordination between them. Each can demand certain conditions are met and many can effectively veto completion of the project.
