BEIJING, March. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- The annual session of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, known as the CPPCC, has opened in Beijing. For ten days, members will debate various issues concerning the country and people. They will also put forward their proposals on political and social affairs.
The Great Hall of the People - a national stage to express opinions.
Yang Lan, CPPCC member, said, "My proposal is about how to involve the civic society and civil power in the area of culture, especially heritages."
Pan Qinglin, CPPCC member, said, "China has been very successful in economic development, but we should attach more importance to education, especially for the young."
Sun Fengyuan, CPPCC member, said, "We need to improve macro-economic regulation and policy adjustment to realize a more balanced income distribution."
They come from the elite of society and government think tanks. They are charged with raising proposals to represent people’s concerns, and aim to influence the government policy.
China’s top leaders are there.
CPPCC National Committee Chairman Jia Qinglin spells out that their focal function has been to give impetus to steady and robust economic development, as well as improve social harmony and stability.
Jia Qinglin, CPPCC Chairman, said, "Members offered suggestions on major issues, such as how to strengthen and improve macro-control, expand domestic demand, particularly consumer demand, improve the industrial structure, develop modern agriculture, advance innovation in science and technology, and deepen reform and opening up."
Now the Chairman is calling for more refinement of suggestions and greater effectiveness of proposals. Jia Qinglin says the CPPCC will continue to investigate the issues of greatest public concerns, such as social administration, income distribution, harmonious labor relations, medical reform, low-income urban housing, and food safety.
The CPPCC brings together members of the governing, Communist Party and the non-Communist parties. The more than 2,000 advisors gather here every March.
Against the background of the global economic slowdown, and the pressure to maintain China’s economic growth, the CPPCC has placed greater importance on economic issues. As the members have more direct contact with society, their proposals can more accurately reflect the actual situation. How much of their proposals influence policy and people will be decided as the session unfolds.
