China's central and local governments will be required to keep some administrative fees this year no higher than last year as the global financial crisis builds fiscal pressure in the country.

Zero-growth must be maintained in government spending on car purchases, meetings, receptions and overseas travels this year, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) told Xinhua on Thursday.

The MOF said it would strengthen oversight on government funds and investment and fight resolutely against illegal behaviors such as embezzlement.

Minister of Finance Xie Xuren said earlier this month local governments must strictly control construction of office buildings and promote frugal practices.

He said the country's fiscal revenue increase started to slow down in the second half of 2008 because of economic deceleration, corporate profit decline and tax cuts to boost growth.

China unveiled a 4 trillion-yuan (586 billion U.S. dollars) fiscal package in November to stimulate domestic demand.

Fiscal revenue last year is expected to rise 19 percent to exceed 6 trillion yuan (about 857 billion U.S. dollars), slower than a 32.4-percent annual gain in 2007, according to Xie.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2009)