Premier Wen Jiabao delivers a report on the work of the central government Tuesday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. [Xinhua]

The 12th National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature of China, started its first session at the Great Hall of the Peopleat 9:00 a.m. Tuesday in Beijing.

Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a report on the work of the government at the opening meeting chaired by Zhang Dejiang, executive chairman of NPC session presidium.

Top Party and state leaders Hu Jintao, Xi Jinping, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Keqiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli attended the opening meeting.

Following are the highlights of Wen's report:

• Wen stresses concrete action in addressing environmental woes 

• Wen suggests new gov't expanding domestic demand

• China unveils ambitious transport, energy plans

• China aims 8% increase in foreign trade in 2013

• China to further 'stimulate' private investment 

• China to ‘firmly rein’ in property speculation

• China defense budget to grow 10.7% in 2013

• China increases 2013 deficit to 1.2 trillion yuan

• China keeps 2013 GDP growth target unchanged at 7.5%

• China to continue ‘proactive fiscal, prudent monetary’ policy

• China lowers 2013 inflation target to 3.5%

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)