China’s ‘digital’ work report offers glimpse into transparent governance

A QR code is printed on the first page of this year’s government work report. (Photo by Cao Yiqing from People’s Daily)

By Wan Yu from People’s Daily

A new highlight of this year’s government work report is a printed QR code that enables the readers to get through an electronic version of the report. Analysts believed this “digital” innovation offers a glimpse into China’s achievements in political transparency and improvement of work efficiency.

On the handout of the report delivered by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on the opening ceremony of the 5th session of China’s 12th National People’s Congress (NPC) on March 5, a QR code is printed on the page, and the readers can access to the full text, H5 pages of the report to have detailed information about the indexes.

A journalist is canning the QR code to check the content of the government work report. (Photo by gov.cn)

It reminded the public of Li’s pledges at the press conference closing the 4th session of the 12th NPC in 2016, when he vowed that government affairs should be kept open and transparent so that the public can learn about it as easy as just scanning a QR code.

According to the work report this year, China presented a satisfactory record by achieving all the  major economic indexes and tasks set last year.

The country’s GDP officially grew 6.7 percent in 2016, falling in between the expected range of 6.5 percent to 7 percent. A total of 13.14 million new urban jobs were added, beating the expected over 10 million growth.

In addition, energy consumption per unit of GDP was reduced by 5 percent, overfulfiling the task set at 3.4 percent.

This evidence showed China’s government’s determination to honor its word with real actions, the deputies said, adding that the innovative “digital” two sessions not only signal an improved efficiency of the government work, but also its sincerity to serve the people.