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| More private sector representatives in CPPCC |
| CCTV.COM 2003-03-14 13:03:23 |
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there are more members from China's private sector－－that's one of the features that has made this year's CPPCC session different from the previous ones. An unprecedented number of private business people are sitting among the more than 2,000 members. Why this increase and what influence will it have on the body？
Politically, they are the government's advisors. Economically, they are millionaires and billionaires. And there are at least 300 of them representing the private sector at this year's CPPCC session, a sharp increase from the past.
In a country still shifting from a planned economy to a market economy, their rising political status has drawn particular attention.
CPPCC member Su Zhengguo said: "The increase of members from the private sector is a historical trend. They are better educated and have unique perspectives on the market economy, as they have been in the market for many years."
Their rising political status is widely viewed as a recognition of the private sphere's economic and social contribution: 20 percent of GDP and higher levels of employment.
It's also viewed as a government policy to have more entrepreneurs shoulder greater social responsibilities. And their performance has been encouraging.
CPPCC member Liang Jinquan said: "At previous sessions, what they cared about were economic externals for finance, legal protection and market entry. Their proposals used to focus on such areas. At this session, they focused on how to achieve a well－off society, improve their overall quality and enhance their social responsibility."
Unemployment, the hardships faced by farmers, the disadvantaged population and many more social issues were found both in their discussions and the proposals they submitted. And their enthusiasm was not forced by the government.
"They hope for a steady policy of reform and opening up and a stable society. Only then can they have a stable business environment. In the event of social instability, they would stand the most to lose," Su Zhengguo added.
There are concerns that as more business people become members of the CPPCC, the body could someday become a rich－man's club. Those concerns may be dismissed, at least for now, because these business people have found that a greater sense of social responsibility is what they will and must consider, and being accountable to their share－holders is no longer just enough.
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Editor: Xiao Wei CCTV.com
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