China's top drug regulator publicizes budget info
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Xinhua, July 18, 2011
China's State Food and Drug Administration on Monday publicized its budget for government-funded overseas trips, vehicles and receptions in 2011, amid rising public calls for transparency of government expenditures.
In a statement posted on its official website, the administration said its budget for overseas trips, vehicles and receptions in 2011 totaled about 11 million yuan (1.7 million U.S. dollars).
That included 5.23 million yuan for overseas trips, about 4.53 million yuan for vehicle purchases and maintenance, and 1.24 million yuan for receptions.
According to the statement, its budget for each of the three items in 2010 was 5.72 million yuan, 5.15 million yuan and 1.25 million yuan, respectively, with a total of 12.12 million yuan.
At least 24 of the 98 central departments have disclosed their expenses for "overseas trips, receptions, and purchases and maintenance of official vehicles," after the Chinese public demanded more transparency regarding such expenses that they believe are "sources of corruption and waste."
The State Council, or the cabinet, has repeatedly called on its ministries to publicize their budget information and provide greater details regarding how they spend public funds.
