BIZCHINA / Backgrounder
How is the 11th Five-Year Plan mapped out
(China.org.cn)
Updated: 2006-04-05 09:54
China's new 11th Five-Year Guidelines, set out the objectives and guiding
principles of the country's continued modernization drive during 2006 to
2010. Much attention has been paid to discussing the contents of the
Guidelines, but less so towards understanding how the document was
developed. The following is a basic introduction to the Guidelines, from
inception to presentation, by the National Development and Reform
Commission (NDRC).
Preparation
Preparatory work takes about two years. These Guidelines were first
introduced in 2003, and since then have gone through many rounds of
development as a result of more in-depth work including investigations,
feasibility studies, drafting, and expert consulting. Experts working on
the development of the document point out that the process involves
collecting information and knowledge, exchanging views, and a compromise
of ideas and ideals.
Professional Task Force
A task force, comprised of professionals from various fields, is
responsible for drafting the document. A legion of experts is recruited
from all over the country to participate, including officials from
central and local government departments in charge of planning,
specialists and scholars from various fields, and a special feasibility
study committee. The composition of the task force is important because
it ensures that the Guidelines, or blueprint, cover every possible aspect
in relation to China's economic and social development.
The Transparency Requirement
Industry experts and the general public are consulted at and kept abreast
of every stage of the development process. Public opinion was sought
through the media over a period of 60 days. Over 5,000 people submitted
their ideas and suggestions on the document.
In addition, certain key groups are also consulted including the special
committees under the NPC Standing Committee; Beijing-based members of the
Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National
Committee; Communist Party of China (CPC), government and military
departments; democratic parties; as well as government and legislative
bodies at provincial, municipality and autonomous region levels.
The Role of the Ruling Party
The CPC has played a very important role in guiding the direction of the
Guidelines. For instance, the CPC Central Committee, in addition to
conducting in-depth studies into major issues, put forward strategic
concepts such as the Scientific Approach to Development, and Constructing
a Harmonious Socialist Society. An important first step to the
formulation of the Guidelines is developing The Proposals.
In October 2005, the Fifth Session of the Sixteenth CPC Central Committee
discussed and passed "The Proposals for Working on the 11th Five-Year
Guidelines for National Economic and Social Development." The Proposals
is an important document that sets out how the Guidelines are to be
developed.
Institutional Significance
Similar to The Proposals, there is another policy that regulates every
phase of the development process of the Guidelines. It covers preparatory
work, drafting, consulting, submission of proposals, evaluation and
amendments. This policy, released by the State Council, is called
"Opinions of the State Council on the Development of the National
Economic and Social Development Guidelines."
Some experts and government officials have suggested regulating the
process by legislation, which is necessary if the process is to be
institutionalized in a society governed by the rule of law.
(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)
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