The leader of the Communist Party's moderate wing has underscored the urgency of fast-paced reform.
During a trip to industrialised Liaoning province last week, National People's Congress Chairman Qiao Shi told cadres to be 'more liberated in their thoughts'.
'Bolder steps and a quicker pace are necessary for reforms in state enterprises and the technological transformation of old industrial bases,' the Chinese press yesterday quoted Mr Qiao as saying.
'Enterprise reform is an urgent task and time is running out.' Mr Qiao, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, said reform measures which had been approved had to be implemented without delay.
'Reforms must go beyond words and documents and be realised.' He encouraged Liaoning officials to blend successful experiences in other provinces with local conditions, adding that no one reform policy was perfect.
Mr Qiao also encouraged the larger enterprises to put more effort into raising funds, including starting financial offshoots.
He toured the mammoth Anshan Iron and Steel Works, where he worked in the 1950s.
