What are the requirements for setting up a foreign-invested commercial enterprise (FICE) in China?

To set up a retail store in China, foreign investors must first (or concurrently) register a foreign-invested commercial enterprise. According to the 2004 FICE regulations, setting up a FICE requires applicants to meet the following criteria:

• Have a good reputation;
• Have not committed any acts in violation of Chinese laws, administrative rules, or regulations; and
• Meet minimum capital requirements as stipulated by the Chinese Company Law and the required ratio of registered capital to total investment.