Shanghai Daily news

When the government is constantly being asked to do more with less in terms of better service, the Internet takes on a vital role. For Qingpu District, the journey towards "electronic government" has been evolutionary.
The official Website of Qingpu holds great promise to bring traditional government services, delivered mainly in person or on paper - into the digital era.
The Website (www.shqp.gov.cn) has existed since 2003. The site now has 26 sections covering various issues including an overall introduction to the district, policies and regulations, as well as online services. It also features district newsletters and bulletin boards to allow government departments to post up-to-date information.
Internet users in the district have reached nearly 45,500 people. And a total of 59.37 million hits have been recorded at the site last year.
"It serves as a gateway to a plethora of government services, as well as a directory to 59 sub-Websites of government departments or important organizations," said Zhang Huiming, the vice director of the district's Informatization Commission.
"Each government department is expected to add the latest information to its own site on a weekly basis," he added, noting the "Qingpu News" column is updated daily.
Since May, the district has made government administration more transparent in order to guarantee residents the right to information, as required by the municipal government of Shanghai.
The upgraded Website contains information about government policies, plans and other news of interest, among which some were not accessible before, such as the district's blueprints and various economic policies.
Residents now have access to all but the most sensitive information related to state secrets, commercial confidentiality and individual privacy.
On the Website, every government department has an e-mail contact. It invites people to acquire more specific information from relevant departments. And the government promises a response within three working days.
With the site, problems are listened to and solutions appear achievable. The district's director and seven vice directors have added their profiles to the site in an effort to introduce themselves to the district's residents.
Frustrations and feedback are collected and immediately channeled to them via the district director's mailbox.
"With more than 1,300 e-mails collected last year, the district directors can efficiently solve problems raised by individuals or groups," Zhang said.
"It mainly serves as a bridge connecting major officials and the people."
To improve the quality of the services, an English version has been launched and four new sections have also been added to the Website.
According to Zhang, overseas residents, tourists and investors will be better informed with the English version.
For example, for investors, the Website offers detailed information, as well as related policies regarding the district's industrial zones. For travelers, the Website not only provides an introduction to scenic spots, but also recommends tourist routes.
"The e-government initiative cuts the cost of governing, increases overall efficiency and, at the same time, provides an edge over other districts in attracting investment," Zhang said.
"We will gradually instruct and supervise all government departments to offer the latest information, especially those related to the daily life of residents and companies.
At the same time, we are putting much effort into constructing an e-government Intranet."
The e-government evolution is an ongoing process and needs to develop in line with the entire system of government.
And Qingpu just happens to be ahead of its rivals around the city.