In his government work report, Premier Wen Jiabao talked about "seven increases" and "five decreases" in the general arrangement for the government work in 2005. The "seven increases" are:

-China's GDP is to increase by about 8 percent.

-9 million more people in cities and townships will be employed.

-The Central finance will earmark 14 bln yuan as subsidy for decreased finance revenue due to exemption of agriculture tax.

-The central finance is to earmark 15 bln yuan to increase transfer payment for major grain-producing counties and counties with financial difficulties.

-The central finance will arrange 10.9 bln yuan to support reemployment, an increase of 2.6 bln as against the previous year.

-Continue to increase income of residents in cities and villages, in particular the income of those who have medium and low incomes. Boost continual rise of farmer's income by various measures.

-Invest more in safety facilities in coalmines. The State Council has decided to arrange three bln yuan to support safety upgrade at state-owned coalmines. Localities and enterprises are required to invest more in safe production too.

The "five decreases" are:

-The budget deficit will decrease 19.8 bln yuan as against the previous year.

-The long-term construction national debts will decrease by 30 bln yuan.

-Agriculture tax will be exempted in 592 key poverty-stricken counties to which the state gives priority in poverty relief. Agriculture tax will be exempted throughout China in 2006.

-Tariffs will be reduced to the level promised by China as it entered the WTO. Majority of non-tariff measures will be abolished.

-As from 2005, students who are receiving compulsory education, and are from impoverished family in 592 key poverty-stricken counties to which the state gives priority in poverty relief will be exempt from textbook fees, miscellaneous fees. The lodging students will be given life subsidies. This policy will be adopted throughout China by 2007.

By People's Daily Online