Chinese vice-premier demands improved government services

BEIJING - Chinese Vice-Premier Han Zheng has asked for acceleration of the transformation of government functions and improvements to government services.

Han, also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during inspections at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MHURD) on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

During an inspection of the MEE, the vice-premier demanded the ministry strengthen formulation of environmental policies, plans and standards, as well as enhance oversight and law enforcement in the field.

He also stressed tackling pollution, which was listed in what policymakers called the "three tough battles."

During the inspection at the MHURD, Han asked the ministry to strengthen directions on local pilot reforms.

The approving period for construction projects should be shortened while the business environment should be improved, he said.

Han also stressed a "long-term mechanism" for real estate regulation and a housing system that ensures supply through multiple sources and encourages both housing purchases and rentals, noting that "housing is for living in, not for speculation."