The minister of industry and information technology said on Monday the government will cut the number of authorities granting administrative approval, the latest sign that in the country's next phase of reform the market will play a greater role in the economy.

Miao Wei said the government is studying how to change the preliminary approval system, and also change the emphasis on administrative approval to emphasize on business operation.

He was speaking at a forum staged by the Development Research Center under the State Council, China's cabinet.