Ties of local govt officials and businessmen must be supervised

The government must be vigilant to local government officials' ties to businessmen, said an article in Guangzhou Daily (excerpts below).

As the government launches a campaign to force local governments to reduce entertainment expenditure, some local governments are secretly trying to get around it.

They ask the businessmen to pay for the meals and entertainment first and then grant them preferential treatment.

The involvement of businessmen in decision-making is a dangerous phenomenon. Officials colluding with businessmen weaken the foundations for a fair market and the economy.

The public, rather than just high officials, must have a major say in evaluating officials' performance.

Relations between officials and businessmen can only be addressed by laws and greater supervision.