Since late last year, some local governments in cities like Chengdu, Hangzhou and Dongguan have distributed spending coupons to the low-income residents. The coupons are a means of government support and stimulus for local consumption. However, while the move is welcomed by coupon recipients, some CPPCC members hold different views about the effect of the coupon program.
Zhang Xuewu, CPPCC member, "I think some local governments distributing tourist coupons to consumers will stimulate the development of the tourist industry. The move will not only expand local consumption, but will also boost the local markets and employment."
Jia Kang, CPPCC member "It´s one of the measures, it´s for the short-term. But longer run, we should adopt other policies, esp to increase the real income of people, esp for farmers..."
Zhang Yunling, CPPCC member "Coupons are just a temporary solution. They are not a permanent cure to tackle the problem of domestic demand..."
Many of the political advisors are submitting suggestions on revitalizing China´s economy amid the global downturn. CPPCC members believe positive economic fundamentals are the basis for a strong stock market performance.
He Qiang, CPPCC member "As a step to improve the capital market system, a stabilization fund is completely necessary. But we should also be aware that the function of the fund is limited. And it needs an open and transparent market environment and should be subject to strict supervision."
Zhang Yunling, CPPCC member That´s very controversial because when the market is not regulated, it´s not predictable not on sound base, you just simply to rescue the market. That can only encourage speculator to do more. They can buy the share and sell it later, making the market even more unstable."
Recent media exposures of sky-high salaries at some state-owned financial institutions have drawn criticism and outrage from the general public. And as the financial crisis deepens, calls for salary caps for senior executives of state-owned enterprises are getting louder. However, what is the best way to supervise the salary of the senior executives of SOEs?
Wang Dacheng, CPPCC member "I certainly agree that we should set a ceiling on the income of SOE executives... I suggest the annual salary of SOE executives should not exceed 1 mln yuan."
Jia Kang, CPPCC member "The salary management of SOE executives should be carried out as part of the SOE reforms. Otherwise, it doesn´t make much sense to simply set a cap."
Li Jiaxiang, CPPCC member "We should work out a standard for the income of SOE executives in different sectors. Their salary level should be connected with their performance..."
Zhang Xiaoji, CPPCC member "I think it´s very difficult for the government to set a unified ceiling for all SOEs. We should strengthen supervision by the chairman´s board and investors."
