Echoing comments made on similar occasions in the past two years, Premier Li Keqiang thanked members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) - China’s top political advisory body - for their “intellectual contribution” to the country.
He made the comments when he met members of CPPCC groups related to the fields of economics and agriculture on March 4.
It is the third consecutive year that the Premier participated in discussions with these groups - before delivering the government work report.
“I have received a large number of proposals from CPPCC members since last year, including many which are very insightful,” said the Premier, adding that the State Council also attaches high importance to these suggestions.
When he met similar groups of members related to the fields of economy and agriculture at the Two Sessions last year, Premier Li called for collective wisdom and requested that the relevant authorities should pool efforts to develop the economy and improve people’s living standards.
He also discussed the development of pilot free trade zones in China following the establishment of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.
This has now become a reality, as the State Council decided last December to launch three new zones - in Tianjin in northern China, Fujian in the southeast and Guangzhou in the south.
Premier Li is known as a good listener - and he has also responded to members’ suggestions by carrying out reforms in various areas.
Reforms to improve the government’s budget management system and liberalize interest rates have been discussed at State Council executive meetings.
Additionally, Premier Li is regularly accompanied by officials from key ministries when he meets CPPCC members - which allows him to ensure that members’ suggestions are considered in a timely manner.
And this year is no exception - as officials from six ministries, including the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance, participated in the discussion with CPPCC members on March 4.
