The State Council held a meeting Thursday to consult leaders of non-communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and people with no party affiliation on major issues regarding economic and social development.

Premier Wen Jiabao, who presided over the meeting, said this was the third such discussion with non-communist figures since March, as part of the effort to build up a scientific and democratic decision-making mechanism and improve administration.

He informed the participants of the economic situation in the first three quarters of the year, existing problems, and the government's plans.

The non-communist leaders voiced their views and praised the government's reactions to international issues and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). They also made proposals on major issues like rural development, employment, the capital market, land management, and government functions.

Vice-premiers Huang Ju, Wu Yi, Hui Liang Yu attended the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2003)