More than 85 percent of central and local government organs in
China have set up websites to provide online information and
services, according to a report from the State Information
Center.
The report said by the end of 2006, more than 90 percent of
China's ministries and governments at provincial and prefecture
levels had their own websites, while the figure for county level
governments reached 80 percent.
Government websites release timely and accurate information on
public affairs, and have expanded online services rapidly, said the
report.
The websites of?10 government departments -- relating to
customs, foreign exchange, commerce, and taxation -- have been
linked to make it easier for companies to make customs
declarations.
China's central government launched its website in 2006 aiming
to promote transparent governance, improve public service, and
safeguard citizens' rights to know, take part in, and supervise
governmental affairs.
In 2006, it released more than 500 State Council documents and
250 gazettes, broadcast live more than 60 important meetings and
activities of departments under the State Council, and invited 22
senior officials in the central or provincial governments to talk
with netizens.
People can access some 1,100 services provided by 71 departments
through the websites, including tourism information during the
"golden week", civil service examinations and consumer protection
services.
According to the US-based Alexa web information company, China's
government website is currently the world's second most visited
government website, outranked only by the Canadian government's
website.
(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2007)