SHENZHEN: One third of government departments here have been axed in an attempt to de-emphasize government and move toward a more market-based society.

Scholars say the new, leaner government model could serve as a pilot program for the rest of the country.

"We want to change the scenario that the government has a finger in every pie," said Li Feng, executive vice mayor of Shenzhen, during a press conference yesterday morning. "The government now will not step into what is supposed to be market-oriented.