Frugality sets the tone for congress

The frugality campaign launched by the central leadership about five years ago has brought fresh changes to the Party congress, which delegates said could be an example for future meetings.

Inside the Great Hall of the People, where the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China was convened, no ornamental displays of flowers or plants were installed. No celebration banners were placed at hotels where delegates are staying. No souvenirs have been given to delegates. Some stationery supplies like pencils and paper are made from recycled materials.

"I can feel the simple and frugal style at the congress, which makes me feel more comfortable and relaxed, and delegates can concentrate on the meeting itself," said Li Dawei, a delegate from Sinopec's Baling branch in Yueyang, Hunan province.

"No flowers or other unnecessary decorations are placed at the meeting venues," he said, adding that even bottled water is not provided to help protect the environment. "We take a shuttle bus to commute between the hotel and the Great Hall of the People. No other special cars have been arranged," Li said.

Ten percent fewer vehicles than expected were ordered, according to Shouqi Group, a State-owned automobile enterprise in charge of ground transport for the meeting.

In accord with the eight-point frugality code issued by the central leadership in late 2012, the group running conference services for the 19th CPC National Congress is following the principle of "simple, economical, safe and efficient", according to the People's Daily, the Party's official newspaper.

Jia Fengshan, a delegate from Tianjin, said banquets and gatherings of small groups have almost disappeared.

"Delegates are taking the lead in self-discipline," he was quoted as saying by People's Daily. "The national congress is the top-level meeting of the Party. The frugal style sets a good example for Party and government meetings across the country."

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn