Government Lowers Charges in West ChinaSome administrative charges in China's western areas will be reduced and price controls will be relaxed, the State Development Planning Commission announced Thursday.The price initiatives are intended to help create conditions that will help propel the development of western China, a national priority. Price controls over such sectors as transportation, education, environmental protection and construction will be eased, according to Chinadaily. Local price administrations have been told to cut administrative charges deemed excessive and eliminate any industrial price-fixing that has not been approved by authorities. This is another move that the Chinese Government has taken to lure investment to the development of the vast, underdeveloped western region. The government asked local authorities to slash administrative charges imposed on firms of the agriculture, tourism, real estate and hi-tech sectors to a "reasonable level." The charges imposed for personnel exchanges must be eliminated or slashed dramatically. Rail and air fares will be among the first to see a drop in prices as local railway and air route authorities are allowed to set prices according to market development. Also released from control are the prices at ten tourist destinations, the prices of automobile manufactures in western parts of China and the prices of water and electricity. Highway investors are allowed to collect construction fees on some of the regional highways. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |