China-EU forum suggests government efficiency
Chinese and European officials and experts have called for more efforts by the government to provide public services for the entire community in its role as a "service-oriented government."
More than 400 officials and experts from China and the EU met in Beijing for a three-day forum on public sector reform and government efficiency which is an annual event sponsored by the China National Administration School, the State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform of China, and their European counterparts such as the National School of Administration of France.
In his concluding remarks on November 15, Mr. Yuan Shuhong, Vice President of the China National Administration School, made suggestions for public sector reform at the forum.
Policy makers have been advised to identify the responsibilities of all departments; to empower local governments to cooperate with intermediaries; to streamline the scale and process of the government; and build up legislation related to the administration.
In addition, the representatives also called for law-based performance assessment, more education for civil servants, and increased transparency to prevent abuse of power.
Mr. Yuan said the forum came at the "right time" because in the newly issued report of the National Party Congress – The roadmap for the country's development in the years to come – China is determined to accelerate public sector reform and build a "service-oriented government."
The forum marks the end of the China-Europe Administration Programme: one of the biggest cooperative projects between China and the international community in the public sector. The program was approved in 2000 and began in 2003.
Mr. Yuan spoke highly of the program. He said the visits, training and cooperation during the program improved the mutual understanding on government agency and research institute administration; and provided useful lessons to both China and the EU on public sector reform. Chinese and European senior officials included Hua Jianmin, State Councilor of China, and Serge Abou, EU Ambassador to China. Many reports, published as a result of the program, have been submitted to China's central government and some suggestions given by program experts have been adopted by the central government.
This success has led to an extension of the program which is expected to conclude this year. The second phase has been approved and details of the design are under way. It is scheduled to be launched in 2009.
By People's Daily Online
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