The four-trillion-yuan fiscal stimulus plan is one of the main focuses of this year's NPC and CPPCC sessions. The central government announced the package in November to combat the global financial meltdown.
The Chinese government announced a four-trillion-yuan economic stimulus plan late last year in the hope it will support the economic growth at a rate above 8 percent this year. The massive spending over the next two years is expected to affect many people, and citizens say they care very much about how the government will use the money.
"What I care about most is health care and pensions. It's quite difficult to see a doctor. One thing that ordinary households are most afraid of is falling sick. So I think the government should devote more money to this area."
"I hope the government invests more on agricultural sector."
"I hope the government subsidizes us farmers directly."
"I do have some concerns about the spending plan. I believe the government will do a better job to make the spending more open and transparent."
That is the aim of lawmakers and political advisors.
After hearing Premier Wenjiabao's government work report, many NPC deputies give a big thumbs up on the stimulus plan. The Governor of Shandong province, Jiang Daming, is one of them.
Jiang Daming, NPC Deputy from Shandong Province, said, "The arrangement of spending is very clear. We have already completed the necessary preliminary work. Many of our projects will come on line soon after the NPC approves the report."
Li Dongsheng, NPC Deputy from Guangdong Province, said, "The investment plan is very much in line with people's wishes. It reflects the government's focus on economic growth, restructuring and improving people's lives."
Some NPC deputies hope spending in some areas will be further clarified.
Han Yuchen, NPC deputy from Hebei Province, said, "I think the spending is not enough or not very clear in some sectors. For instance in the commerce sector there is no clear amount of investment in this area. And the spending quantity in areas such as rural infrastructure construction is also not very clear."
Others point out that the government must avoid repeated construction and blind expansion. This will ensure effective utilization of taxpayers' money.
In his government work report, Premier Wen Jiabao promised a substantial increase for social programs this year. The good news is that the government has decided to allocate an additional 850 billion yuan over the next three years for medical and health care system reforms on top of the stimulus package. Now the focus is how to spend the money to ease the short-term problems and pave the way for healthy economic development.
(CCTV March 6, 2009)
