中梗阻(zhonggengzu): Intermediate obstructions

The National Development and Reform Commission has announced it will further reduce examination and approval procedures. Streamlining the administration and delegating power to lower levels are key measures for deepening reform in an all-round way.

However, although there has been remarkable change at the central level over the past year, the situation is different with some local authorities. The central government has made great efforts to delegate more powers to the market. But there are still many obstacles from the intermediate levels in local administrative departments, which directly hinder the reform.

When it comes to implementation of the central government's reforms to the examination and approval system, some local authorities are reluctant to give up their powers. This is usually the most difficult part of reform.

President Xi Jinping has noticed this phenomenon and pointed out that the country should deal with the relationship between "the first mile" and "the last mile" well and break through administrative obstacles to fully implement the reforms so they are effective and benefit the public.