Premier Li Keqiang asked ministries and local governments to step up administrative streamlining and delegating power on April 15.

“It takes so long for some departments to put in place policies already approved by executive meetings of the State Council, which ministers participated in, isn’t it a kind of reverse in terms of procedures?” the Premier told an executive meeting.

Some ministries previously explained that the reason policies approved by the State Council was not carried out immediately was because the policy document still required the unanimous approval of relevant ministries after drafting.

“Isn’t it a waste of time?” the Premier asked. “While the ministers who were present at the meeting didn’t express disagreement, how come it takes so much time for departments to pass the policies?”

The central government and departments at all levels have already spent a great deal of time studying the many policies to be carried out, however, the unanimous approval requirement which involves sluggish procedures delayed the implementation of some preferential policies, the Premier explained.

“While the central government spent more than a year on putting forward the policies, another year is required in order to finish the various procedures. Isn’t it a joke?” he said.

The Premier said the government should continue to step up the transformation of its functions.

“Streamlining administration should start from self-reform,” he said.

The Premier also noted that more efforts are required to actively push forward the implementation of policies.

He acknowledged the contribution that preferential policies and the hard work of the people had made to the great achievements since the reform and opening up.

“China’s economic development relies on down-to-earth deeds, otherwise, we can accomplish nothing,” the Premier said.