Starting from July 1, China will scrap key rules favoring Chinese companies in government purchases of computers and other technology, which have triggered complaints by foreign companies for being discriminatory, said the Ministry of Finance on Friday.

It was the second time in a month that China repealed a technology policy after complaints by its trading partners.

The move has been praised by foreign firms for allowing them better access to the Chinese market.

China's finance authority and environmental watchdog issued a government purchase list in 2006, the first of its kind in the country, specifying brand names of environmentally-friendly products that government departments should give priority to in its purchase plans.

It is to encourage indigenous innovation in the technology and energy sectors, and give certified Chinese companies better access to government purchasing orders.

However, foreign enterprises regarded the policies as hampering their access to the Chinese market.

Foreign businesses praised the scrapping of the rules, calling it a positive sign and an indication that they would have easier access to government purchasing orders.