The fact that both China's next five-year plan and its 2001 Plan for National Economic and Social Development stressed educational development strategies is good news for deputies of the Ninth National People's Congress and members of the Ninth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Liang Zhiwen, a CPPCC member from Jilin Province, said great achievements have been made in the development of compulsory education but some problems are hindering the development of the education sector.

"Effective steps must be taken to increase investment in education, especially in underdeveloped areas," Liang said.

Participants have noticed in recent years that the Chinese people are spending more on education than housing, and are calling on more non-governmental institutions to invest in schools on top of government investment.

Education in China accounts for 8.3 percent of the average family's total expenditure, 1.2 percent higher than the amount of money spent on housing, according to a sample survey by the State Statistics Bureau.

"Education is the key area the country should improve when implementing China's strategy of developing the nation through science, technology and education," said Gu Shengzu, a CPPCC member from Hunan University.

Gu suggested establishing "special education areas" using upgraded teaching methods and widespread scientific research, with an emphasis on quality education.

Deputies and members from remote areas called for more government aid to ensure equal schooling opportunities for children in rural areas.

Ma Xiangmen, a deputy of the Bao'an nationality, one of the smallest ethnic groups in China with a population of 10,000, said it is of vital importance to raise the education level of her people.

(China Daily 03/07/2001)