NPC opens annual session

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 03-05-2009 17:52

The second session of the 11th National People's Congress opened in Beijing on Thursday. A total of 2,949 lawmakers were present.NPC Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo presided over the session.

The Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress  (NPC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing,  capital of China, March 5, 2009.(Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a government work report to the top legislature at the opening meeting. Wen Jiabao said he believes the country will be able to keep its economic growth at about 8 percent in 2009 despite the worsening world economy.

He acknowledged that 2009 will be the most difficult year for China's economic development since the new millennium. But he said the growth rate was proposed based on China's needs and ability.

Wen Jiabao called on the nation to strengthen its conviction for victory. The Premier also revealed other key economic and social targets. These include creating more than 9 million jobs in cities,keeping the urban registered unemployment rate under 4.6 percent and keeping the rise of the Consumer Price Index at about 4 percent. The session will run through March 13th.

Editor:Zhang Ning