China: A New Round of Bureaucratic Streamlining

During a session of China's annual National People's Congress on March 10, China's Cabinet unveiled a plan to streamline and consolidate ministerial responsibilities and administrative functions. The new plan includes measures to simplify regulatory procedures in different bureaucracies. This is the seventh round of institutional reforms since the 5th National People's Congress in 1982. These periodic bureaucratic reshufflings reflect the state's continuing attempts to reposition itself and enhance its ability to manage the broader changes in the Chinese economy and society, as well as adjustments in the state's vision for the industries affected by the changes.