Members of the Ninth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) put forward a record high of 3,733 proposals in 2000.

Qi Huaiyuan, spokesman for the Fourth Session of the Ninth CPPCC National Committee scheduled to open in Beijing on Saturday, said that proposals raised by democratic parties and All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce totaled 56 last year.

Qi made the remarks at a news conference held here Friday.

According to Qi, these proposals concern various aspects of China’s economic and social development, including the development of western China, ecological and environmental protection, economic restructuring, construction of infrastructure facilities, education, cultivation of talent, promotion of cultural progress and fight against corruption.

A great number of the proposals have been adopted and have played an active role in China's reform, opening up drive and modernization, Qi noted.

Advancing proposals is a form through which CPPCC members offer comments and suggestions on national and local policies and social affairs.

(Xinhua 03/02/2001)