Premier stresses further reform of govt functions

2017-01-07
english.gov.cn/yicai.com

Premier Li Keqiang inquires about streamlining administration progress at the Department of Transportation of Shandong province, in Jinan, Shandong province, on July 25, 2014.

Premier Li Keqiang focused on the reform of government functions at this year’s first State Council executive meeting on Jan 4, just as he did at the first executive meeting since taking office as premier in 2013, and at each opening executive meeting ever since.

The State Council has seen progress by canceling or delegating 618 administrative items that need central government’s approval. It also canceled 230 items reviewed by local authorities and overhauled 303 intermediary services.

Premier Li attends the symposium on streamlining administration, delegating government power to lower levels, strengthening regulation and improving service in Shanghai, Nov 21, 2016.

However, the reform is at a crucial stage. The government has to overhaul some procedures that seem practical but in actuality are affecting market operation, and overhaul irregular intermediary services, especially the ones manipulated by government officials.

The government is facing challenges in regards to supervision, especially during and after business approval, and improving services.

Therefore, more work must be done to push government reform forward to invigorate enterprises and the market, according to the Premier.