Expert welcomes plan for lists of govt powers

Plans to make governments at county level and above compile lists of the powers they possess have been welcomed by an expert who described the initiative as a "great step forward" as the nation updates its system of governance.

Wang Yukai, a public administration professor at the China National School of Administration, said: "Making lists of government powers is intended to streamline administrative procedures and delegate powers to lower levels. The lists will facilitate the nation's efforts to build clean governments."

A timetable for the exercise, part of efforts to cut red tape and improve administrative efficiency, was set by the central government on Tuesday. Provincial governments have to compile the lists, which must be made available to the public, by the end of the year. Governments at city and county levels will need to complete the task by the end of next year.