The economic issue is presently the CPPCC members' most pressing and most discussed concern, said Zhao Qizheng, spokesperson of the Second Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

CPPCC members also expressed their opinions on the achievement of the goal of "assuring 8 percent GDP growth." Some members noted that it will be rather hard to achieve, while even more members said it can be achieved through effort, and others held quite optimistic estimates. It was agreed by all members that if China wants to maintain a stable economy amid the current severe economic crisis, it must by all means enable its economy to grow steadily and rapidly, working hard to achieve a GDP growth of 8 percent.

Zhao said that the CPPCC had held nine special topic symposiums and consultation meetings in the past year. Members put forth many opinions on how to deal with the financial crisis, and suggested that various measures be taken to boost domestic demand.

CPPCC members from the scientific, technological and economic communities conducted special discussions about 10 days ago on topics of maintaining growth, boosting domestic demand, adjusting structure as well as promoting development. Senior officials from ten or so departments of the State Council attended the meeting to hear members' opinions, and they thought opinions of CPPCC members were very specific and valuable for reference. At present, the secretariat of the conference has received many proposals and speeches related to economic construction. During the conference session, members will continue to offer suggestions and proposals on this issue while discussing the government work report.

(People's Daily Online March 3, 2009)