China's new
11th Five-Year Development Guidelines (2006-2010), currently
being deliberated by legislators at the Fourth
Plenary Session of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC),
set out the objectives and guiding principles of the country's
continued modernization drive over the next five years. Much
attention has been paid to discussing the contents of the
Guidelines, but less so toward 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. The 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 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.
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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 CPC
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 16th CPC Central
Committee discussed and passed "The Proposals for Working on the
11th Five-Year Guidelines for National Economic and Social
Development." The Proposals?are 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.
(China.org.cn by Wandi Jiang,?March 6, 2006)