Li urges central organs to make way for market

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called on the central Party and government departments to resist corruption and to sacrifice power for the vigor of the market. Li made the remarks on Tuesday while meeting with the attendees of a meeting on the work of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in various central departments. According to Li, central Party and government departments directly engage in the making and implementation of major decisions and policies, and Party management has been playing a key role in the process. Li praised Party units in these departments for preventing and controlling corruption. Highlighting the arduous task of ensuring steady economic growth and improved efficiency, Li urged Party work in these departments to focus on building a "lawful, innovative and cleanhanded" government. Li urged stepping up a system to simplify procedures and delegate power to lower levels, urging these departments to "dare to reduce your own power, confront conflicts, embrace responsibilities and disregard self-interests". "Whatever should be decided by the market should be handed to it. Let the market thrive and stimulate social creativity," Li said. Since 2013, the then newly-elected Premier Li has been trumpeting streamlining administrative approval and cutting red tape to help the market function efficiently. In his first government work report delivered to the National People's Congress in March, he pledged to abolish or delegate another 200 administrative approvals to governments at lower levels, following the 416 last year. Meanwhile, the premier stressed that the rule of law should be set as the cornerstone for stability and a guarantee of a transparent, orderly and just market environment. Li urged civil servants to follow a cleanhanded and diligent work style to seek benefits for the people, calling for resolute punishment for corruption. In addition, officials working in central departments were told to study new things and adapt themselves to developing technology and industries. "Learn not only from books but also from the people and practices. Aspire to a greater future with a wider perspective." Li urged the officials to improve their ability to grasp general situations, handle hard issues, make decisions, innovate management methods and serve the people.