The State Council of China has recently amended and publicized the statute on its working rules which are believed to be more scientific, clearer, stricter and standardized.

The newly amended rules are divided into ten chapters including general principles, member duties, full implementation of governmental functions, promoting scientific and democratic decision-making and working styles and enhancing disciplines.

The statute said the State Council should work hard to form an administrative management system that is standardized, concerted, fair, transparent and efficient.

"All the departments of the State Council must exercise their functions according to laws." it said.

It required the Chinese government to substantively shift the focus of its economic management functions to creating a sound development environment and serving the main market bodies.

"The State Council must accelerate its function transferring so as to fully perform the duties of economic adjustment, market supervision, social management and public service."

It also required the cabinet to further promote administrative supervision and carry out administrative activities according to laws.

(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2005)