Annual Report 2009 - Greentown China Holdings Limited

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For The Year Ended 31 December 2009
3. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Government grants
Government grants are recognised in profit or loss on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Group
recognises as expenses the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate. Government grants
are recognised as income over the periods necessary to match them with the costs for which they are intended
to compensate, on a systematic basis. Government grants that are receivable as compensation for expenses or
losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the Group with no future
related costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they become receivable.
Leasing
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and
rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
The Group as lessor
Rental income from operating leases is recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the
relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the
carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Group as lessee
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant
lease. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are recognised as a
reduction of rental expense over the lease term on a straight-line basis.
Leasehold land and buildings
The land and building elements of a lease of land and buildings are considered separately for the purpose
of lease classification, unless the lease payments cannot be allocated reliably between the land and building
elements, in which case, the entire lease is generally treated as a finance lease and accounted for as property,
plant and equipment. To the extent the allocation of the lease payments can be made reliably, leasehold interests
in land are accounted for as operating leases and amortised over the lease term on a straight-line basis.
Retirement benefit costs
The Group participates in state-managed retirement benefit schemes, which are defined contribution schemes,
pursuant to which the Group pays a fixed percentage of its qualifying staff’s wages as contributions to the plans.
Payments to such retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense when employees have rendered service
entitling them to the contributions.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, including land and buildings held for use in the production or supply of goods or
services, or for administrative purposes other than construction in progress, are stated at cost less accumulated
depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment, other than construction
in progress, over their estimated useful lives, and after taking into account of their estimated residual value,
using the straight-line method.
Construction in progress represents property, plant and equipment in the course of construction for production
or for its own use purposes. Construction in progress is carried at cost less any recognised impairment loss.
Construction in progress is classified to the appropriate category of property, plant and equipment when
completed and ready for intended use. Depreciation of these assets, on the same basis as other property assets,
commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.
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Greentown China Holdings Limited Annual Report 2009