Beijing invites bids for five-year plan
By Li Jing (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-03-12 13:45

Beijing will for the first time invite tenders nationwide for 60 major topics to draw up the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10) for the city.

The bidding will be open to colleges and universities, research institutions, enterprises, industry associations and international organizations, according to the Beijing Development and Reform Commission which is in charge of drafting the plan.

Zhao Xiaowei, an official with the commission, said the 60 research topics and their requirements would be made public on Monday.

"Besides domestic enterprises, international organizations are welcome to participate in the bidding. But they need to know Beijing well and have ample resources," said Zhao, adding that individuals cannot apply for the tender.

"Bidders may visit the commission's website for detailed information and submit bids by April 5," said Zhao. "A panel of experts will make the final decision around April 22."

Zhao said 14 out of the 60 topics are of great importance, and cover a wide range of fields such as water resources, social security, high-tech industry and the development of mountain areas.

He said all the research projects will be completed by the end of this year to provide inputs for drafting the plan.

Wang Haiping, vice-director of the commission, said the bidding aims to encourage the public to participate in the city's decision-making and increase transparency in the process.

China has already introduced public bidding in drawing up the national 11th Five-Year Plan, a fundamental guideline for the country's economic and social development over a five-year period.

Hu Angang, an economist with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences who is conducting a research project for the national plan, said public participation in major decision-making was a big progress.

He said the nation's decision-making system is becoming more transparent, which reduces the risk of errors, especially on important issues.

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