Premier Li Keqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made an important instruction to a national video and telephone conference on the separation of social functions from State-owned enterprises, held on April 1.

He said it is a major decision and arrangement of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to separate social functions from SOEs and solve the problems left over from this process. China has made decisive achievements in this sector, and basically solved the difficulties restricting the reform and development of SOEs.

The Premier said responsibilities should be further clarified to adjust measures to different local conditions and enterprises. Finishing work should be effectively done to consolidate reform achievements and guard against and defuse risks. Thus, more contributions can be made to enhance the competitiveness of SOEs, improve the social security system and public service system, and promote high-quality development.

State Councilor Wang Yong attended the meeting and gave a speech.

Wang, who is also deputy head of the Leading Group for State-owned Enterprises Reform of the State Council, called for greater joint efforts in implementing the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

No energy should be spared in finishing the reform, thus the SOEs can be more engaged in fair market competition and effectively pursue high-quality development, Wang said.

Wang said although the major tasks have been accomplished, follow-up work is still arduous. Related departments and enterprises should fulfill their responsibilities, improve supporting policies, and tackle key problems to effectively complete the reform on time. Supervision and inspections are needed, and a long-term mechanism needs to be established, to solidify the achievements.

He also called for efforts in guidance for the public and employees to ensure the smooth and sound advance of the reform.