By the end of 2003, China had 142,000 registered non-government organizations (NGOs), an increase of6.8 percent over the figure of the previous year, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The number of national or trans-provincial NGOs was 1,736, up 49 year-on-year; the number of provincial-level NGOs stood at 21,030, up 961; and the number of prefecture- and county-level NGOs was 48,731, down 3,655.

Meanwhile, China had 19 foreign chambers of commerce.

The ministry said the government will give support to the development of charitable groups and NGOs that are closely related to foreign trade, industries and rural economy.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2004)