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Premier Wen delivering govt work report
(China Daily) Updated: 2008-03-05 07:39 The 11th National People's Congress (NPC) of China started its first session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. Premier Wen Jiabao is delivering a report on the work of the government at the opening meeting.
It will involve 2,987 deputies - recently elected for a term of five years - from the country's provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, and from the People's Liberation Army. During its term, the NPC will oversee national administrative, judicial and procuratorial bodies, and debate and formulate China's development path for the next five years. Work reports, budgets and development reports As an annual duty, Premier Wen Jiabao will deliver the central government's work report at the opening full session of the NPC. The report, similar to the United States' State of the Union address, generally details the government's work over the past year and its plans for the coming year. However, as this year's report will be delivered at the first full session of a new NPC, it will also review the past five years and outline plans for the next five. The Minister of Finance will deliver a speech to NPC deputies on the budget, while the Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission will discuss social and economic developments. NPC deputies will examine the reports and air their opinions during group discussions. They will also vote to approve or reject the reports. The examination of government reports is one of the most important ways for NPC deputies to perform their governmental supervision duties. Judicial reports Each year, the country's chief judge and chief procurator deliver two speeches to the NPC on the works of the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate. All deputies have the opportunity to examine the reports and vote on them. Restructuring report Deputies this year will also review a much-anticipated report on the restructuring of key central government agencies. Structural reform is part of a drive to reduce overlapping of responsibilities among government bodies and boost their efficiency. Electing leaders As this year marks the beginning of a new NPC session, deputies will elect the country's president, vice-presidents and Cabinet, who will serve for the next five years.They will also elect a chairperson for the Central Military Commission, and chairperson and members for the 11th NPC Standing Committee. Press conferences Several press conferences and group interviews will be held during this year's session. The foreign minister and premier usually meet the press during and at the end of the session. These two press conferences are broadcast live across the world. |
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