A senior Chinese official has stressed the harmonious development of the family and society by building a new type of household featuring the all-round development of family members and positive values.

Gu Xiulian, vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and chairperson of the All-China Women's Federation, made the remarks here on Friday at a national conference on the building of the model family or the "Five-Good Families".

The government has launched many activities and programs to encourage families to participate in "family culture" development.

Nineteen ministries launched the nationwide campaign of Five-Good Families in 1996 to uphold gender equality, eradicate outmoded notions and customs, promote respect for the elderly and care for the young, environmental responsibility, and harmonious neighborhoods.

Gu asked government departments to support the building of harmonious households and enhance research in the field.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2006)