China´s top advisory body meets in Beijing

cctv.com 03-03-2004 08:54

The annual session of China's top advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, opens today (Wednesday) in Beijing. The CPPCC standing committee held a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

The press conference kicked off the heated competition for coverage of the "Two Sessions" which convene every March. CPPCC spokesman Zhang Guoxiang told the hundreds of reporters that preparations are complete and organizers are now busy registering delegates and dealing with their proposals.

Deputy Secretary of the Session Secretariat Zhang Guoxiang said: "By midday Tuesday, 1,312 of the 2,229 members attending this year's session have registered. We have received 223 proposals and 324 written speeches."

The spokesman said revitalizing industry in the northeast of China and the livelihood of farmers are among the issues receiving the greatest attention from the government. He said this year's proposals cover a very broad range of aspects in the transformation of the country.

This year's session stands out as the CPPCC will revise its committee charter. However the details have yet to be released. Another important item on the agenda will be joining the National People's Congress, as non-voting members, for discussion on amendments to the constitution. Another two press conferences are scheduled on revitalizing the northeast and the development of the non-state-owned economy. Many CPPCC members are activists and public figures from various walks of life, as well as experts and scholars in various fields. With members from eight non-Communist parties and people with no political affiliation, the CPPCC plays an important democratic role in Chinese politics.

Editor:Zheng  Source:CCTV.com