Chinese govt resolute in cutting red tape

BEIJING - The Chinese government on Wednesday vowed to strictly restrain itself from adding new administrative procedures in approving business projects as part of its campaign of cutting red tape to boost the market economy.

According to a statement released after a State Council's executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang, the government will not add new procedures in approving business investment, manufacturing and qualifications.

"It will help prevent the hidden reemergence of red tape, reduce business burdens, spur market vitality and promote social equality," the statement said.

"As long as the technical standards can judge projects, administrative approvals are prohibited," it said.

China's new cabinet has pledged to reduce red tape by freeing up about one third of items within the government's grasp previously, as Premier Li reiterated that the market is the creator of social wealth and the source of self-sustaining economic development.

The government has canceled or delegated power to lower levels for 183 items previously subject to central government administrative approval.

At Wednesday's meeting, the government vowed to strengthen evaluation and supervision of the necessary administrative approval procedures.

Before decisions are made, all voices should be heard and hearings should reflect people's real opinions, the statement said.

Also at the meeting, the State Council listened to a report on the oversight of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

It vowed to strengthen the supervision of SOEs and make their operations more transparent.

SOEs should preserve and increase the values of state-owned assets, honor their social responsibilities and play their backbone role in upgrading the Chinese economy, the statement said.