China announced Tuesday that it would restructure the central government by creating five "super ministries" during the on-going National People's Congress in Beijing.
The move aims to streamline all government departments having multiple and overlapping functions: environmental protection, social services, housing and construction, transportation, and industry and information.
Chen Lijun, chairman of the Zhejiang Huari Industry Investment Ltd. and a member of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), offered her opinion of the long-awaited reform in an exclusive interview with China.org.cn Thursday morning.
"The proposed 'super ministries' will enable the government to exert greater control in carrying out government policies and advance coordination between different ministries in a substantial way. The reshuffling is timely and welcome. It will grapple with the long-term political problems coupled with China's growing economy," remarked Chen.
"For ages, departments fraught with bureaucracy have been widely regarded as inefficient and counterproductive, partly because they protect their own entrenched interests," she said.
"I hope each one can benefit from the change. However, the practical effect brought about by the change is subjected to the test of time."
"I experienced going through a flurry of administrative paperwork to get a program approved. It was difficult, and the process was tedious and strenuous, but it was just something you had to endure," confided Chen. She was born in October 1949, when the People's Republic of China was founded.
"Despite three decades of reform and opening-up policy, China's political reform still lags behind. Administrative costs are too high. The government could become more efficient by abolishing some departments."
"I am glad that the State Environmental Protection Administration will evolve into a ministry with wider jurisdiction and greater leverage. At the same time, it marks the emphasis placed on combating pollution by the government," she said.
"I know it is just the first step, but indeed a great leap for the government."
(China.org.cn by staff reporter He Shan, March 13, 2008)