(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-01-22 11:00

The government's price stabilizing measures reflect its concern for people's daily lives, says an article in Beijing News. The following is an excerpt:

On Sunday, Beijing acting mayor Guo Jinlong said the government will keep the prices of goods and services in check during the Olympic Games. Beijing will do what it can to keep the prices of basic necessities stable. Temporary price interventions will be employed if necessary.

Last year will be remembered as one marked by rising prices, which is why the central government is expected to make price stability a priority this year.

The Beijing Olympic Games will not only be a time for sports, but also one for business opportunities. Business people could try to profiteer during the Games, which leaves common people worrying that the event will trigger further price hikes in Beijing.

The acting mayor's comments about curbing abnormal price hikes during the Games helped calm people's nerves. The issue of prices, if not resolved properly, will not only affect the lives of residents, but also the Olympic Games themselves.

It is worth noting that the measures taken to stabilize prices also show the government's market sense. The authorities do not want to simply wield power, but instead are hoping to regulate the market based on supply and demand.

The government has also demonstrated its ability to think ahead by analyzing and solving the price issue more than 200 days before the Games start. The government has not only emphasized the benefits brought by the Olympic Games, but has also considered all the possible adverse impacts on the city's economy.

The government should also study the prospects for post-Olympic economic growth to prevent Beijing's economy from becoming sluggish after the Games end.