Chen Wenjun:

The press briefing has lasted nearly 100 minutes. We now have time for one last question.

CRNTT:

A good policy hinges on its implementation. The government work report this year proposed a number of policies and measures. How can we ensure that they are fully implemented? What does the government plan to do this year to transform its functions and improve its performance? Thank you.

Huang Shouhong:

Successful implementation is central to a good policy. No matter how good a policy is, it is meaningless if it is not implemented. This is like a flower reflected in a mirror or a moon reflected in water. Following the requirements of General Secretary Xi Jinping on policy implementation, which are to take prompt, pragmatic, resolute and effective steps to fully deliver on all work initiatives, the State Council has established and improved a mechanism to ensure the full implementation of this year's policies. This mechanism requires joint efforts from all levels to address challenges at the initial, intermediate and final stages of policy implementation.

First, we should see that all those involved assume their full responsibilities. Efforts to this end must start with the departments under the State Council. The government work report will have legal validity once it is deliberated and approved by the National People's Congress. Then, the State Council will break down and disseminate all policy requirements in the report to the related departments and set deadlines for formulating detailed and effective measures, as well as supporting policies. Arrangements have already been made in this regard, and related departments have conducted studies into the implementation of the policies and measures set out in the report concurrently with its drafting. As a result, we will see some specific policies and measures being released after the "two sessions." Localities should align with the guiding principles of the CPC Central Committee, the arrangements in the government work report, and their local conditions, and make proactive plans and fully utilize drivers and levers in their work, which are also necessary for policy implementation.

Second, we should enhance coordination among all involved parties. All localities and government departments should adopt a holistic approach to the government's operations. From the perspective of the public, enterprises, and external stakeholders, the government is a single entity, regardless of the region or department. The government will be blamed if any department or locality fails in policy implementation. That is why adopting a holistic view is crucial. We should promote efficient coordination between central government departments and local governments, as well as between and within different departments, and establish corresponding rules. We should adopt list management and closed-loop management for implementing major policies to address problems wherever they arise throughout the entire process, from policy design and implementation to feedback.

Third, we should strengthen supervision and inspections of policy implementation. Since last year, the new term of the State Council has improved its supervision and inspection mechanisms and made many specific arrangements in this regard. Meanwhile, the government work report emphasizes the need to strengthen follow-up evaluations of policy implementation and make timely adjustments and improvements to address various problems such as inadequate and superficial implementation.

Fourth, all involved parties, including the news media, the public, and enterprises, should play supervisory roles in policy implementation. The public and enterprises are most aware of which policies have not been implemented. Their joint participation in supervision will create synergy to ensure the full implementation of policies. This will ensure that the final outcomes of our work align with the Party Central Committee's decisions and intentions, meet the people's expectations, and ensure that the objectives and tasks for this year's economic and social development are accomplished.

Regarding your question on transforming functions and improving performance, the report emphasized the need to "improve government performance across the board." This includes accelerating the building of a digital government and promoting one-stop government services to enhance our service levels. We will firmly tackle pointless formalities and bureaucratism and improve oversight, inspection and evaluation. I will say no more due to time limits.

In short, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council attach great attention to the issue of implementation. They have already taken measures and will consistently adopt measures to ensure that the content of the government work report and promises made by the government are effectively fulfilled, living up to the great hopes and expectations of people across the country.

That's all from me. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Huang, and thank you to all our friends from the media. Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Li Huiru, Huang Shan, Xu Kailin, Zhou Jing, Zhang Jiaqi, He Shan, Gong Yingchun, Wang Qian, Liu Jianing, Qin Qi, Yuan Fang, Mi Xingang, Lin Liyao, Wang Wei, Li Xiao, David Ball, Rochelle Beiersdorfer, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.