August 23, 2012
Translated by Tang Xiangyang

The State Council has decided to allow Guangdong Province to be a pilot for reform aimed at eliminating regulatory red tape.

Under the pilot, 314 items that require administrative approval (approval by certain government agencies to go forward) will be eliminated or re-adjusted. The items are mostly concerned with investment and social welfare projects. Some items concerning the economy, small and large enterprises, and private investment are also to be cut.

This is the sixth time the State Council has eliminated or readjusted administrative approval items. It decided that government should retreat from fields where citizens, companies or organizations can better decide on their own through market mechanisms what actions should be taken.

Any ministerial regulations or files that contradict the Law of Administrative Approval will be voided. The State Council has also decided in the future to contract public institutions and social organizations to provide some social services, rather than only allowing government agencies to do so.

Links and sources
Economic Observer Online - 国务院取消调整314项行政审批项目
The Beijing News - 314行政审批项目将取消或调整