When local governments try their best to invite investors to boost economic growth, they should bear in mind the key purpose of development is to serve the public interest, said an article in the Southern Metropolis Daily (excerpts below).

A national audit revealed that of 54 surveyed counties, 47 failed to meet their objective of improving people's livelihoods.

Local governments would rather give enterprise bosses awards and subsidies than spend money improving services and conditions for the public.

GDP growth is a key criteria to assess officials' performance. But other factors should be taken into account, such as services, the environment, education and health.

The government should reform its official assessment system and let the public play a bigger role in evaluating officials.