Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said he is committed to taming the “wild horse” of the escalating housing market in China, and maintain prices at an affordable level during his term as Premier.
Mr. Wen made his promise after several netizens complained about the increasing housing prices during an online discussion with internet users in China and abroad.
“I really understand the complaints”, said Mr. Wen, adding that “housing prices in some cities rise too fast.”
“Huge population with limited land made people’s access to houses a problem,” he said, adding that to solve the problem is to increase the supply of public housing.
He also said that the government is speeding up efforts to increase supply and make access to housing easier.
"Two million houses were completed last year, and the Chinese government will build another five million affordable homes this year. In addition to the 1.8 million shanty homes in 2009, two million will be reconstructed in 2010," said Mr. Wen.
He added that the government will also give its support on land, tax and finance to help more people purchase their own homes, and implement any legal and economic solutions to curb property speculations.
“It is the government’s responsibility to guide the property market,” Mr. Wen said. “I am confident that the government would ensure a healthy development of the property market.”