China´s top advisory body opens 2004 session

cctv.com 03-03-2004 16:45

China's top advisory body -- the "10th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference", or CPPCC -- has convened its second plenary session. Over 2,200 representatives from across the social spectrum will offer suggestions and criticisms of state affairs over the next nine days. More importantly, they will witness the birth of a newly-amended constitution.

They are members of the country's top advisory body, and they have come to give their opinions and criticisms of state affairs at the annual CPPCC session. Many of them are serving their first term on the committee. By bringing their proposals to the capital, the members will debate the way forward in shaping the nation.

CPPCC member Lin Yifu said, "The revision of the constitution is of course important, and economic issue is surely an important issues of all."

Another CPPCC member Zhou Junyun said, "Concepts of human development are important. With that in mind, the CPPCC's work will be more practical and pave ways for the government's work."

The top advisory meeting was attended by President Hu Jintao, National People's Congress Chairman Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao, and other state leaders. The opening ceremony was presided over by the chairman of the CPPCC, Jia Qinglin. He delivered a report summarizing the work of the Standing Committee over the past year. In the report, Jia said the advisory body provides powerful support to major state affairs.

Jia said, "2003 is the first year of the 10th CPPCC committee. Under the theme of unity and democracy, the standing committee has mobilized and organized its members to contribute ideas with the goal of building a strong society."

Jia Qinglin called on advisors to gather more advice and criticism from the public. At the meeting, CPPCC members also heard a report on proposals relating to the handling of the body's work. Over the last year, the Chinese leadership has increased consultation with the advisory body. President Hu Jintao himself attended five of the advisory meetings to seek opinions.

The CPPCC has collected over 3,500 proposals dealing with the nation's social, political and economic life. Over ninety eight percent have already been handled by relevant government departments.

This year's session is scheduled to last through March 12. The members will also attend several sessions of the National People's Congress, and deliberate on issues of national importance.

The best minds of the country's top government advisory body will be contributing ideas on issues ranging from improving the lives of farmers to upgrading the public sanitation system. The advisory body is also expected to witness amendments to its own constitution, as well as enshrining a newly-amended constitution for the country.

Editor:Xiao  Source:CCTV.com