Government services boosted by new laws

The State Council has modified a number of administrative laws and regulations to further streamline administration, enhance compliance oversight and improve government services.

The modifications, which were announced on April 10 after a State Council Order was signed by Premier Li Keqiang, are also aimed to promote one-stop administrative services and better develop the Internet Plus government service.

The amendments, including a revision to a temporary regulation on contributions to the social insurance fund, will enable businesses to conduct their registration for social insurance together with business registration.

In another revision, real estate developers can file for records to relevant departments through electronic means after obtaining their business licenses. The amendments also included a revision to a regulation that makes it easier for the owners of internet cafes to register their businesses.

Natural disaster response improved

China will establish an inter-ministerial joint conference mechanism as part of efforts to beef up prevention against natural disasters, according to a notice released by the State Council General Office on April 9.

The mechanism, led by the Ministry of Emergency Management, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Finance, will provide guidance and supervision for related government departments to better coordinate their duties and efficiently tackle major issues that arise during the implementation of major natural disaster prevention projects.

According to the notice, there will be at least one joint conference a year, and member units can submit motions to initiate a meeting as well. The joint conferences can be attended by some of the members as well as invited participants from other departments. Huang Ming, Party chief of the Ministry of Emergency Management, Lian Weiliang, deputy head of the NDRC, and Yu Weiping, vice-minister of finance, will act as conveners for the joint conference.

New work report measures in focus

The State Council has urged full implementation of tasks and policies set up in this year’s Government Work Report as it released a document on April 9 detailing the division of work among ministries and departments this year. The State Council said in the document that work and policies that have already decided must be carried out as soon as possible, and related funds must be delivered on time.

It is also important to learn about responses from businesses and enterprises in the process of policy implementation so that the policies and measures can be delivered in full and well received by market entities, the document said.

It also called for more concrete measures to be rolled out in key work areas including further reform and opening up, streamlining administration, cutting taxes and fees, bettering the business environment and fostering new growth engines.

It also requires greater coordination between different departments to ensure synergy in their efforts and policies. Government departments should also step up guidance and service to authorities at the primary level and reduce their burdens, the document said, adding that provincial governments must also work together with central government departments to ensure the implementation of the Government Work Report.

The General Office of the State Council will step up its supervision efforts and organize various campaigns to ensure the tasks and work can deliver concrete results, the document said.