China plans to create “mega-ministries” to improve government efficiency and deal with the more complex issues brought about by its economic reforms. Financial services regulation and agriculture are among the first areas to be considered.
But the domination of Chinese politics by the Communist Party may outweigh any moves towards restructuring. China has already slashed the number of its ministries from 100 in 1982 to the current number of 28. But this has not been enough to deal with the many complex issues brought about by a fast-moving market-oriented economy. The existing structure can no longer cope effectively. [Full Text]
[Image: China currently has 28 separate ministries, from AFP.]