Jia Qinglin delivers report at CPPCC opening ceremony

cctv.com 03-04-2004 08:52

Over the next eight days, some 2,200 members from across the social spectrum will offer suggestions and criticisms on state affairs. More importantly, they will also 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.

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 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 98 percent have already been handled by relevant government departments.

This year's session is scheduled to last through Mar.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:Sun  Source:CCTV.com