China looks for further reform in 2014

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping has said that China will continue to seek steady progress and manage economic and social development through reform next year.

Reform should be integrated into all sectors of China's economic and social development in 2014, said Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Xi made the remarks at a symposium held on November 22 to hear comments and suggestions from non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, as well as people without party affiliation about China's economic situation and economic work in 2014, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

At the symposium, which was presided over by Xi, Premier Li Keqiang reported China's economic performance this year and the main ideas of the CPC Central Committee for next year's economic work.

Xi said China should reinforce the momentum of steady development and maintain the overall stability of the economy and society in 2014, which could create the necessary environment and conditions for further reforms.

On the other hand, China should press ahead with sweeping reforms in order to facilitate development and enhance transformation of the development pattern and improvement of people's livelihood, Xi said.

Reform should first target areas for which the Chinese public has the most expectations for reform, and focus on problems that have hindered the country's economic and social development, the president said.

All of society should be allowed to feel the tangible benefits of the reforms, so as to rally positive energy for further reforms, Xi said.

Xi said that, for next year, China should effectively safeguard food security, adjust industrial structure, promote more balanced development among regions, improve people's livelihood, step up air pollution control and continuously improve opening up.

The president also said the sweeping reforms are relevant to all aspects and people, so it is necessary to build consensus and seek unity of thinking.

He hoped non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, as well as people without party affiliation would learn the spirit of the reform masterplan approved at the third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee and help rally public support for further reforms.

Xi expressed his gratitude to non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, as well as people without party affiliation for their suggestions during drafting of the masterplan.

Regarding China's economic performance in 2013, Xi said China had achieved steady progress in economic and social development despite significant downward pressure earlier this year, thanks to coordinated efforts to stabilize growth, adjust structure and promote reform.