Beijing caps spending on foreign guest receptions  

北京：外宾接待严禁讲排场求奢华 杜绝奢侈浪费

London Mayor Boris Johnson paid a visit to Beijing in October, 2013. The picture shows he is taking the city's subway on October 15 to experience its service. (Photo source: Chinanews.com)

Beijing (ECNS) -- Beijing issued a new regulation on Friday to control the expenses of receptions held for foreign guests.

Issued by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Finance, the new regulation has been designed to contain the budget for such receptions and control waste.

Fees related to the reception of foreign guests should be paid by official cards or bank transfer. Cash is not allowed, and the fees should come from departmental budgets.

Daily board expenses on each head of state and government leader should be no more than 600 yuan (about $100), and that for a vice-president, chairman or vice-chairman should be no more than 550 yuan, the regulation stipulates.

Reception departments can provide banquets for foreign guests no more than twice.

Besides standardizing the daily board expenses for foreign guests, the new rule also outlines standards for other costs, including accommodation, gift-giving and transportation.

The regulation also demands that departments publicize all details of reception spending for foreign guests.