By Zhang Maorong, World Economy Institute of China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations; cartoon drawings by Liao Tingting

General Secretary Xi Jinping of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, joined a panel discussion with deputies to the National People's Congress from Guangdong Province in Beijing on March 7. Xi said that he had endorsed draft constitutional amendments, which are under deliberation at the national legislature.

He encouraged officials and local peoples in Guangdong Province to double their efforts in boosting regional development. He urged them to take their place in the front ranks of the state to build a mechanism for promoting high-quality economic development, set up a modern economic system, create a new landscape in all-around opening-up and develop a new model of social governance based on collaboration, co-governance, and common gains.

With courage and responsibility for self-reform, Beijing has achieved a great leap from "catching up with the times" to "leading the times." China is in a crucial period to upgrade its development mode, to optimize the economic structure, and transform the driving forces for growth.

China has to overcome challenges, but we could see new opportunities as well. It is essential to deepen reforms in an all round way and to promote high-quality development and build a modern economic system.

Xi said building a modern economic system can enable the country to lead the trend in the global science and technical innovations, and to take the initiative in international competitions. It is also important to achieve the "Two One-hundred Years" rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

China's economy is expected to enter a new development phase by innovating the institutional mechanisms, building a new foundation for industrial system, and improving green development.

The big era comes with amazing achievements. Great responsibility yields great reform. This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up. To deepen reforms in a comprehensive manner and with more achievements can be the best way to commemorate history.

 The development route in the new era has been settled under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. By emancipating the mind and sticking to the path of reform and innovation and implementing new ideas and concepts, with a broader vision, higher goals and stronger measures to deepen reform and opening up, it is expected to write a new chapter to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation for over 1.3 billion people in the country.

(The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com)

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