Opinion: Reform, development and stability in harmony
( 2002-03-15 09:45 ) (1 )

The expansive confidence in the face of major challenges defined this year's sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC), which closeS today, and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which ended on Wednesday.

Our country will see its first full year as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and welcome the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China this autumn.

While the expected personnel changes at the Party congress is sure to inject fresh blood into the national leadership, ripples of reshuffling stirred by the WTO membership will inevitably reach beyond the economic field.

The enthusiasm that prevailed at both the NPC and CPPCC sessions conveyed an unmistakable message to all that it is time to work at full steam.

There was not much talk about the successes of last year, crowned by the successful bid for the 2008 summer Olympics and the long-sought WTO entry.

But the feeling of a great nation rejuvenating surely added to the participants' confidence in the nation's capability to withstand challenges ahead.

Despite pessimism expectations that a global economic slump will hurt exports and then overall growth, the Chinese economy recorded an impressive 7.3 per cent growth last year.

Admittedly, maintaining robust growth will not be an easy job in the coming years. But the remarkable beginning year proves that the country's 10th Five-Year Plan is achievable and the reforms efficient.

However, the legislators pointed out that our new identity as a WTO member magnifies uncertainties involving the fate of some domestic sectors.

Fully aware of the ultimate benefits of the membership to our economy as a whole, they went to great lengths to explore ways out for less competitive domestic industries and firms that may suffer the most in the short term.

In recognition of the consequence of a possible rise in unemployment, the government work report pinpointed creating new jobs as a key index in measuring progress.

As high-profile moves have been made to heed those calls, we can expect a more caring society that helps meet the nation's need for stability on all fronts.

The legislators timely identified a pressing need to clear the ranks and refine the leadership and style of work.

The higher approval rate compared with the last few years for the reports delivered by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate bears testimony to the country's progress in its anti-corruption campaign.

The record 1,040 motions submitted to this annual session of the National People's Congress is evidence of the increasing sense of responsibilities of our top legislators.

It is also a good sign to see that the government's response to proposals from both legislators and policy advisors has been more positive than before.

The consensus has been reached that a balance among reform, development and stability is crucial to realizing our goal of sustained, rapid and healthy development.