BEIJING, June 12 -- China will tighten oversight to ensure increased fiscal funds meant for companies and individuals arrive directly without being intercepted or diverted, an official said Friday.
Vice Finance Minister Xu Hongcai made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing.
According to a government work report, China's fiscal deficit will rise by 1 trillion yuan over last year and it will issue government bonds worth the same amount for COVID-19 control, which will be transferred in full to local governments.
The State Council executive meeting on Tuesday stressed efforts to ensure that the 2-trillion-yuan (about 282.2 billion U.S. dollars) newly increased fiscal funds will directly benefit businesses and people.
The country has established a system to closely monitor the entire process of how the funds are allocated, transferred and used. It is meant to prevent fraud, embezzlement and interception, Xu said.
Government departments at various levels involved in the handling of the funds will share data to facilitate oversight.
Other measures include strengthening audit and transparency, said Xu.