BEIJING — The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee heard opinions from other political parties, business leaders and representatives of independent personalities about the government’s economic work on Dec 1, according to a statement released on Dec 5.

President Xi Jinping presided over the symposium. Premier Li Keqiang briefed the attendees on China’s economic situation and plans for next year’s economic work.

Other senior leaders including Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan and Zhang Gaoli attended the event.

“The situation for China’s economic development is generally sound and the economic growth is currently within a proper range,” Xi said.

In the first three quarters, China’s gross domestic output expanded by 7.4 percent year on year, in line with the government’s annual target of around 7.5 percent.

China should continue to stick to the general guideline of seeking progress while maintaining stability, Xi said.

The government’s work in maintaining stability should focus on economic growth, while progress should be sought in deepening reform and opening up and economic restructuring, Xi said, adding that China must seek a balance between economic growth and economic restructuring.

Speaking at the symposium were leaders of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang and other parties, chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and Justin Yifu Lin, former Chief Economist and Senior Vice-President of the World Bank, who represented independent personalities.

The speakers gave their suggestions on a wide range of subjects, including the development of eco-friendly agriculture, seeking new engines for boosting domestic demand, promoting the coordinated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, as well as lowering financing costs for the real economy.