Xu Shaoshi, minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, takes questions from journalists during a news conference on March 5. [Chen Jia / chinadaily.com.cn]

Public-private partnership improving

The public-private partnership process is improving and both sides are exploring further cooperation, said Xu at the conference.

The NDRC has released guidelines on how to develop this partnership, he said. Out of the 80 construction projects handled by the NDRC last year, 49 involved investments by the private capital.

With the deepening of China's reform, especially in investment and financing sectors, the cooperation will get better.

Reform Commission must look hard at itself

Self-reform of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), including reforms to the examination and approval system, authorization system, investment and financing, and prices is important, said minister in charge of the NDRC Xu Shaoshi.

People can now submit applications online via the NDRC website, and check information on the progress of the examination, Xu said.

Last year, the NDRC abolished 15 administrative examination and approval items, and 23 were reduced to lower levels. Foreign investments no longer need to be approved but only have to be filed for the record.

The NDRC has also made efforts on price reform, including those for medicine, electricity, natural gas and water.

Xinhua contributed to this story.