A backbone network of e-government linking China's central-level departments started operation on Sunday.

With such a standard platform, the organs of the Party, National People's Congress, government, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, court and procuratorate will have their own websites or sub-network linked together, said Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan at the opening ceremony.

The existing e-government networks at central-level departments will be linked to the backbone network, he said.

China announced in May 2006 that it will finish a backbone network linking all Party and government departments at the central and local levels in three years.

Management rules, technical standards and service policy will be issued to make sure the stable performance of the network, Zeng said.

Meanwhile all departments are urged to build database and computerize information to facilitate information sharing.

The backbone network provides Chinese governments at all levels with two systems, an internal system and an external system which is linked to the world wide web.

"E-governing will help the government to improve efficiency and service to the public as an important part of the country's administration reform," Zeng said.

He urged all the e-government network users to publicize their administration procedures and public information through the backbone network.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2007)