Guangdong conference slims down

The annual political consultative conference of Guangdong province will be shortened to four days this year, making it the shortest conference since 2004, organizers said on Wednesday.

The schedule is in line with the central government's requirement to streamline government activities and improve efficiency, said Du Chongnian, deputy secretary-general of the provincial political consultative conference committee.

Fifteen migrant workers, five more than last year, have been invited to sit in on the conference, which is scheduled to open on Jan 14.

When asked about conference rules, Du said members will be disqualified if they are absent twice without asking to be excused.