Core Viewpoint - The central government is addressing formalism and reducing burdens on grassroots levels, highlighting issues with local governments spending excessively on consulting services to improve rankings on various lists [2][5]. Group 1: Financial Expenditures and Consulting Services - Haicheng City spent 4.98 million yuan on a consulting project with a ranking evaluation agency to improve its position on a "Top County" list [4]. - The consulting project failed to provide valuable development suggestions tailored to local conditions, and the project acceptance was merely formal [4]. - The ranking agency adjusted Haicheng's score from 118th to 91st by increasing subjective indicators during the 2025 ranking process [4][5]. Group 2: Implications of Rankings and Local Governance - Local governments are reportedly spending money to achieve rankings on lists like "Top Counties" and "Top Towns," which increases the financial burden on grassroots levels and encourages profit-seeking behavior from ranking agencies [5]. - Haicheng City was recognized as one of China's top counties, ranking 91st in the national county economic development list, which was included in its 2025 government work report [5]. Group 3: Company Background and Performance - The ranking agency, CCID Consulting, is the first publicly listed consulting firm in China, with a revenue of approximately 129 million yuan in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 7% year-on-year increase [8]. - The company's gross profit was about 76.79 million yuan, up 12% from the previous year, with a gross margin of 59% [8].
辽宁海城市花费近500万买进“百强县”榜单被中央通报！评选机构回应：正调查