BEIJING, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce has set up a special center to hear complaints from and protect the legal interests of domestic importers and exporters.

The center, headed by Vice Minister Gao Hucheng, will provide policy guidance and advice services to Chinese companies involved in trade disputes or encountering discriminatory treatment by foreign governments or intermediaries, the ministry said Sunday.

It is also obliged to ask government departments to help solve problems.

Chinese businesses had to resort to legal procedures, which were often costly and inefficient, when they faced disputes amid booming foreign trade, the ministry said.

The new center will respond to complaints within ten working days. Enditem