The first session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC), or the parliament, met for its fourth plenary meeting this afternoon to hear explanations of a government reshuffle plan.

The explanations are given by State Councilor Hua Jianmin, who is also Secretary General of China's cabinet, the State Council. The proposed institutional restructuring of the State Council, an important part of China's overall plan to deepen reforms in the administrative system, is a continuation of the previous five major government reshuffles over the past 30 years, said Hua. Under the present reshuffle plan, China will establish larger departments that organically integrate the functions of smaller departments.

It will also rearrange, in a more rational manner, functions of government departments that exercise macroeconomic regulation, strengthen energy and environment agencies, integrate bodies in charge of industrial administration and information, form a transport ministry, and enhance departments responsible for public administration and public services.