[Chinese Government Procurement] Wang Conghu: What is Full-flow Electronic Public Resource Transaction

The "Internet+" technology has become the dominant force in the current new technological revolution and has also become a booster for promoting various institutional changes. In areas such as government procurement, engineering construction, state-owned land transfer, mineral property rights trading, and state-owned property transaction, the “Internet+” has become the backbone of the reform of the institutional mechanism. Policy makers at all levels of government in China fully recognize the importance of Internet technology for public resource transactions, and they have formulated related systems to promote the implementation of full-process electronic transactions. At present, many localities are building a unified, vertical, horizontal, interconnected, economic public resources electronic transaction platform with mature technology and stable operation, with the goal of “opening the Internet online, no transactions offline, unified regulations, and sharing”. However, what exactly is a full-process electronic public resource transaction in the true sense and evaluation standard? It is a question worth exploring.

As we all know, all technologies are methods and cannot be the purpose of human society. In the same way, the whole process of electronic public resource transactions is only a means rather than an ultimate goal, and serves the purpose of public resources transactions. Presently, which is capable of presenting a full-process electronic public resource transaction is an electronic system for public resources transactions established everywhere, namely "one network and three platforms." It is undeniable that in the construction and operation of the public resources transaction platform, positive innovations have been carried out everywhere. However, regardless of how far the public resource electronic transaction process goes, we must not forget the “true heart”, that is, serving public resource transactions. Specifically, the purpose of public resource transactions is to: First, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public resource allocation. Although there are many factors influencing the efficiency and effectiveness of public resource allocation, the open, transparent, convenient and efficient electronic trading process is still one of its most important aspects. Second, we must strengthen the supervision and control over the operation of power. The supervision and constraints on the operation of power include at least two levels, namely, the control and coordination between decision-making power, execution power, and supervisory power, as well as the restrictions and coordination among internal agencies that exercise their respective powers. Therefore, designing a full-process e-commerce transaction must not only consider the constraints and cooperation among internal organizations, but also fully satisfy the external supervision and control from the process. Third, we must safeguard national interests, public interests, and the legitimate rights and interests of transaction parties. Full-process electronic transactions should adhere to the principles of national interest and social public interest, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of trading parties.

Based on the purpose of public resource transactions, how should we set or judge the standard of electronic resources for the whole process? The author believes that at least two aspects can be explored. On the one hand, it is a full-process e-format standard, including paperless, open, and convenient. As the name suggests, paperless means that all the processes are carried out online, and electronic contracts, electronic seals, and electronic filings are realized. Openness, that is, to publish all the contents of public resource transactions to the public unless there is something improper to public. Convenience is relative to the user. Either the supervisor or the transaction parties can easily use the electronic transaction, for example, they can enter the process from multiple terminals. On the other hand, it is the content standard for full-flow electrification. Specifically, first is "one number one code" and "single item corresponding." This requires that starting from the demand or budget, any project of public resource trading must form a fixed number and electronic code. Throughout the transaction process, contract process, compliance process, file process, and retirement or disappearance process, every item must be “one number one code” and make ensure that "number and code" and "item" corresponds. Second is "crossing to the ditch, vertical to the edge," "through the entire process." This means that any type of transaction item can be covered by "one size one code" and "single item corresponding", and ensure that "through the whole process" will not change due to different departments. The third is "full traces, visualization, traceability." Full-process e-commerce transactions need to be “remaining traces” in order to ensure the authenticity of electronic transactions. “Visualization” is a further supplement to ensure authenticity and objectivity. “Traceability” is to clarify responsibilities and take responsibilities lifetime.

It should be noted that, under the connotation of full-process electronic public resource transactions, it is necessary to further elaborate the electronic flow of each individual transaction item. However, no matter how it is elaborated, it must not deviate from its purpose. It must give priority to public welfare, public safety, and other public welfare and service requirements.

(The author is research fellow of National Academy of Development and Strategy)