Saving money

Such criticism has piled on the pressure on Chinese officials chosen for the programs. Yet, it has also inspired some to make the most of it.

Liu Tie, deputy director of Sichuan's legislative affairs office, worked as an assistant to the energy commissioner of the Georgia Public Service Commission.

He noticed that the state regulates the pricing of utilities through legislation for the benefit of consumers, while still providing an open market. Price adjustments also are held through public hearings, so the public learn and understand changes in policy, reducing the possibility of false cost.

After returning to Chengdu, the provincial capital, he shared his experience with his colleagues and, in 2007, his authority passed cost-monitoring regulations that audit public institutions and government-funded utilities, including schools and hospitals.

"After the ordinance went into effect, we noticed how much money we saved and how efficient public services and institutions became," said Liu Tie. "Savings in 2008 alone made the whole project worth it."

Last year, the Sichuan government audited 581 projects that reported 17.1 billion yuan of spending but in reality cost only 14.5 billion yuan. The ordinance helped cut an excess of 2.6 billion yuan.

"Although critics say government internships abroad are free vacations, the result of my trip is a story of struggle and endurance," added Liu Tie. "We have the results to show for it."

Clockwise from top: Dan Durning (second right), former director of the International Center for Democratic Governance in Georgia, poses with Chinese officials, from left, Liu Xin, Liu Tie and Xiao Jun in October 2005; Liu Xin chats with American colleagues in December 2005; Liu Xin at the University of Georgia in 2005. [China Daily]

(China Daily January 13 2011)