The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) opens a website on Thursday to let people know public policies in detail which might affect their life and business.

The powerful economic regulator's drive is echoing to a new decree which takes effect on May 1, requiring government departments to ensure people's access to government information and that on matters of public concern.

The NDRC said on the website, http://zfxxgk.ndrc.gov.cn, the information would be open to the public either on its main portal, www.ndrc.gov.cn, or upon request from any individual or legal entity.

Any request should be filed in written forms to the NDRC, the website said. The commission promised to respond to written requests within 15 working days.

According to the rule on government information transparency, governments at all levels should open information involving public interests, policies or activities that people are entitled to know or discuss, bureaucratic setups, functions and procedures, and any other information legally defined as that should be known by the public.

An official with the NDRC said the newly effective rule would improve transparency of the government and ensure people's right to know public policies.

The information on the NDRC website includes administrative regulations, rules and other official documents, economic and social development plans, projects and related policies, economic and social statistics, fiscal budget and expenditure reports, administrative charges lists and government procurement lists.

(Xinhua News Agency May 1, 2008)