2006 Government Work report highlights

(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-03-06 14:49

Economy

GDP growth this year is set at 8 per cent; and energy consumption per unit of GDP to decrease by about 4 per cent.

Rise in consumer prices will be kept under 3 per cent.

Some 9 million jobs will be created, and the urban registered jobless rate be kept under 4.6 per cent.

New countryside

Budget expenditure for agriculture, rural areas and farmers will total 339.7 billion yuan (US$42 billion), or 14 per cent more than last year.

Government will totally abolish agricultural tax starting this year.

Education and science

71.6 billion yuan (US$8.8 billion) will be invested in science and technology this year, a rise of 19.2 per cent.

Charges on rural students receiving nine-year compulsory education will be eliminated in two years. The spending on compulsory education will increase by 218.2 billion yuan (US$26.9 billion) over the next five years.

People's livelihood

Financial support will be increased to help boost employment, create better medical and social security systems and improve workplace safety.

Overheated property prices in some cities will be reined in so that affordable housing can be offered to urbanites.

Taiwan

It is the common wish of all Chinese people to see the ultimate realization of the great cause of national reunification.

The mainland will uncompromisingly oppose secessionist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence." Anyone who tries to reverse this major trend will certainly fail.