China's political advisors were urged to brainstorm on economic development and offer suggestions as the nation copes with the impact of the global downturn.

Jia Qinglin (front L), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (front R) attend the opening session of the sixth meeting of the Standing Committee of the 11th National Committee of the CPPCC, in Beijing, capital of China, on June 16, 2009. Jia Qinglin presided over the meeting here Tuesday. Li Keqiang briefed the meeting on the economic situation and China's economic and social development. [Xinhua]

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a political advisory body, made the call as the standing committee of the 11th CPPCC National Committee kicked off its sixth meeting Tuesday.

Jia said maintaining steady, relatively fast economic development and safeguarding social stability and harmony were the foremost tasks facing the government. He called on the participants to focus their four-day discussions on these themes and make valuable suggestions.

Vice Premier Li Keqiang briefed the meeting on the economic situation and China's economic and social development.

The sixth meeting of the Standing Committee of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) opens in Beijing, capital of China, on March 16, 2009. [Xinhua]

He said with the central authority's decisive coping policies and the concerted efforts nationwide, China's economy was turning for the better.

He nevertheless warned of a "complicated and zigzag" recovery process and difficulties ahead, citing the unpredictable world economy.

Li also called for full implementation of the central authority's deployment in the next step of the economic work, and laid out directions including boosting domestic demand, accelerating industrial restructuring, developing new energy sources, furthering reform and opening up and raising living standards.

(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2009)