My first time to cover two sessions

Each year, China's most-experienced reporters, armed with the best broadcasting equipment and latest multimedia technologies, cover the annual sessions of the top legislature and advisory body in Beijing.

After five years' working as a business reporter for China Daily, I finally got the chance to cover this great occasion this time around - an opportunity that filled me with nervous excitement.

For years, I have watched Chinese and foreign media use all the skills at their disposal to find out the most important and valuable information about China. This year, it's my turn to help report on the meetings of the National People's Congress, the highest organ of State power, for the first time.

More than 3,200 Chinese and foreign journalists have registered to cover the gatherings of the NPC and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, according to the two sessions media center.

The two sessions, which usually offer details of the country's policy stance for the year ahead, attracts great attention not only in China, but also from the rest of the world. In recent years, the country has made "seeking progress while maintaining stability" its main guiding principle. Carrying out supply-side reform, preventing financial risks, boosting the real economy and attracting foreign investment - all these topics will be in the spotlight.

I have seen with my own eyes the months of preparation that some Chinese and foreign organizations and individuals have put into their own work for the two sessions.

One business group said they will launch a report on China's manufacturing sector to coincide with the event, as they hope reporters will read their results and take their insights to the legislators and political advisers.

The two sessions are the place where reporters can find answers to important issues that relate to all aspects of China. That is why I began my preparation for the two sessions the moment I learned I was to report on it.

For starters, there is so much to learn - it took me hours just to grasp the basics, such as the functions, schedules and topics that will be discussed. I then had to learn the best way of explaining it all in English in a way that can easily be understood.

Next, I studied the long list of names of legislators from Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which I'm reporting on, and the specific issues related to these two provinces that might be worthy of international attention.

As for how I was to approach these deputies, I've lost count of the number of times I've asked colleagues for hints and tips. There are so many different ways of getting to the people that I'm interested in talking to, from knocking on the hotel doors of their press officers to stopping them in the street.

Already, I have seen many of my colleagues showcase their best reporting skills. I have also done my part, and I'm ready to do more.

Contact the writer at chenyingqun@chinadaily.com.cn