Downsizing of government car fleet nears completion

Reforms in the use of government cars are basically complete, an official of the country's top economic planner said on Wednesday.

Lian Weiliang, vice-chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, made the comment at a press briefing.

The central government released a guideline last July to restructure the supply and use of government vehicles in an effort to cut unnecessary expenditure and create a green government.

The aim was to complete central government changes by 2014 and those in local government by the end of this year.

So far, 140 administrative units under the central government have completed their reforms, Lian said, with 3,868 government vehicles disposed of, with revenue going to the central treasury.

Lian added that the number of people involved in the reform was 50,000 and more than 2,000 drivers and other staff were relocated.

"Every province and city has outlined their government car reform plan. However, when it comes to minority nationalities and remote areas with poor public transport, reforms should be promoted based on the actual situation, not stick to the schedule," said Lian.

He remains confident that the review and approval of car reforms in local governments will be completed by year's end.