From Chinese Press

People's livelihood a big issue

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-01-05 08:27

Our society's New Year resolution should be to attach more importance to people's livelihood, says an article on xinhuanet.com. Excerpts:

The gap between the rich and the poor is widening in China, which is an issue of great concern. To resolve it, we have to use social wealth to improve people's livelihood.

Regulations did not prove enough to prevent the real estate market from heating further in 2010. What common people want to see is a real breakthrough in the construction of economically affordable housing for the low-income group.

Another difficult task for authorities is controlling inflation, especially preventing the fast increase in the prices of daily necessities. Preventing prices from rising further is part of the people's livelihood project, and needs the concerted efforts of all government departments to fulfill.

Hopefully, the new regulations on demolitions would work better this year to maintain social stability and harmony. People expect to see thorough implementation of the new regulations to stop forcible demolitions.

The development of small- and medium-sized enterprises is an important livelihood issue, too, because it plays an important role in generating employment.

These five issues will be crucial for Chinese people as well as the country's economy this year.

The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily 01/05/2011 page9)