BEIJING - The Chinese government decided Wednesday to cut or unleash the first 71 administrative approval items amid efforts to transfer government functions.

The items mainly focused on investment as well production and operation, said a statement after a meeting of the State Council, or the cabinet, without giving details.

The meeting was presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

To let the market play its role and empower social forces, the Chinese government has vowed to take drastic action to reduce items that demand official approval or transfer such power to lower levels.

The steps should be open to the public in time and be put under supervision, the statement said. It also urged relevant departments to step up efforts to cut and transfer more administrative approval items.

Li Keqiang said in March that the Chinese government will cut the existing 1,700 administrative approval items by at least one third in the coming five years.

He admitted that the current government approval system has affected efficiency and might cause corruption.

"We need to leave to the market and society what they can do well. The government needs to manage well the matters that fall in its province," he said.