Calendar seller makes his date with despair

Firework-free festival?

In 2012, the annul output of China's fireworks sector was worth 20 billion yuan and there were approximately 7,000 manufacturers nationwide, employing more than 1.5 million workers, according to sources at the Fireworks Industry Development Forum.

Li Xinyu, vice-general manager of Beijing Fireworks Co, the largest fireworks retailer in the capital, said: "There will definitely be fewer fireworks sold this year, partly because people believe the smoke contributes to the smog and partly because of the new policies. Last year, we sold 240,000 boxes during the Spring Festival season, but this year we're expecting a decrease of 20 percent or more."

According to Li, the central government also issued a notice banning the use of public money for entertainment and gifts in 2012. That signaled the start of a sales decline that is now gathering speed.

"We probably won't receive any orders from public servants or State-owed businesses this year, but we've factored this into our procurement planning. We have mainly ordered environmentally friendly fireworks, those favored by children and cheaper brands."

Producers should be targeting the general public to provide a festival atmosphere, he said. Banning the use of public funds to buy fireworks will lower profits in the short-term, "But in the long-run, we will all benefit from the policy."

'Tigers' and 'flies'

The government has vowed to maintain a high-pressure crackdown on official corruption and show zero tolerance to those who disregard Party rules and discipline.

As of Dec 20, 16 officials at the ministerial level had been placed under investigation for violations of the law and Party discipline, according to the Blue Book.

"The crackdown on high-profile officials is important, but everyday measures to stop officials becoming corrupt are also important. The Party rightly insists on punishing both 'tigers' and 'flies'," said Yan.

"If every penny of government spending were strictly regulated, then there would be no chance for 'flies' to become 'tigers'," he added.

He also warned that the money saved should be spent where it's most needed, otherwise the move toward thrift will be meaningless.

While applauding the government's efforts to crack down on corruption and unauthorized use of public funds, Sun, the fireworks retailer, felt the moves have caused unnecessary distress and had unforeseen consequences for many people.

"I really hate corruption. Government officials shouldn't spend public money for their own benefit, but I think the government should pay more attention to larger issues and not trivial things such as calendars and flowers," he said.

Contact the writer at hena@chinadaily.com.cn