Local govts urged to fulfill pre-set reform tasks

Local Chinese governments were ordered on Wednesday to speed up reforms and fulfill related tasks that were already set by the central government earlier this year.[Special report]

Reform plans should be in accordance with the guidelines of the just concluded Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which approved a decision on "major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reforms," according to an executive meeting of the State Council, or the central government.

Premier Li Keqiang, while presiding over the meeting, ordered local governments to fulfill this year's reform tasks and deepen reforms, so that economic and social development will head toward a more efficient, equal and sustainable direction.

Altogether 22 major reform tasks were put forward after the new leadership took office in March.

"This year's reforms have been progressing smoothly on the whole, which played an important role in promoting a steady and sound economic development," according to a statement issued after the executive meeting.

"But the reform measures in some fields have not been implemented. Great attention should be paid to that and efforts should be made to speed up the reforms," the statement says.

All departments under the State Council should decide on reform items and table detailed implementation plans, and all local governments are required to take stock of this year's reform measures and make sure they become effective, according to the statement.

Particular attention should be placed on reform items including streamlining administration and delegating power to lower levels, transforming government functions, replacing business tax with a value-added levy, cutting or waivering taxes and fees imposed on small and micro businesses, making good use of stocks of fiscal revenue and money funds, and supporting the real economy with finance.

Other key items identified at the meeting included improving pricing mechanisms for resource products, agricultural and rural reforms, promoting construction of free trade zones, tackling air pollution and food safety monitoring.