Top Chinese leaders have joined groups discussions on the opening day of the first session of the 11th NPC. When meeting with deputies from east China's Jiangsu Province, President Hu Jintao said he totally agreed with what was mentioned in the government report.

Chinese President Hu Jintao stresses on Wednesday that the  nation must draw lessons from this year's severe winter  weather crisis and be on guard against similar risks while  joining the discussion of Jiangsu deputies.(Xinhua Photo)

He noted that the government needs to follow the report's guidelines and continue to push reforms and opening up. Hu Jintao said the country should try its best to develop the economy, improve its industry structure, and strengthen the people's ability to innovate. He hoped for an environmental friendly, fast-growing, and healthy economy.

The president also talked about this year's disastrous snowstorms, which hit a large part of the country. He said the disaster is a warning that potential risks should not be ignored, even in a modern society. He added that the country should learn from this lesson and add to its capability to fight similar natural disasters.

(CCTV March 6, 2008)