State Councilor Hua Jianmin said in Beijing Friday that reforms of the government's administrative examination and approval system, and wider changes to government administration, must be pushed forward.

"We must consolidate the gains we have made and guard against anything that might undermine our efforts," he said.

Hua said the reforms are part of wider ongoing reform of administrative management, and will help improve the development of the socialist market economy and prevent corruption.

He said the government should focus more on key issues and clarify the tasks of specific departments.

Up to now, central and provincial governments have reduced or changed about half of the things that once needed administrative approval. This has helped rein in government powers and standardize practices.

Hua praised the ongoing reform as having greatly improved government functions and helped create a new model of administration.

"Most important, it makes life easier for the masses," he said.

He said that the State Council should enhance the work done so far and that local governments should effectively adapt the reforms to their own situations.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2005)