The five years to come is a key period for China's reform, opening up and modernization, and the CPPCC, China's top advisory body, should contribute its wisdom and strength to the goal of building a well-off society in an all-round way, said Jia at the closing meeting of the annual CPPCC session.

The 10th CPPCC National Committee will follow the direction of Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of "Three Represents," carry out the spirit of the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, concentrate on the two major themes of unity and democracy, and give full play to its role in political consultation, democratic supervision, and participation in the deliberation and administration of state affairs, said Jia.

The CPPCC chairman emphasized that priority should be given to maintaining unity and stability so as to help create a stable social environment and harmonious social atmosphere for the country's reform and development.

The CPPCC should carry forward socialist democracy and perform its functions in a standardized and institutionalized manner, to ensure successful cooperation with all non-communist parties, persons without party affiliation, social organizations and personages from all ethnic groups and all walks of life.

Another major aspect of the CPPCC's work in the next five years is to strengthen ties with personages in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and with overseas Chinese for maintaining and promoting prosperity, stability and development of Hong Kong and Macao, and for realizing complete reunification of the motherland, Jia said.

He stressed that the CPPCC should always respect labor, knowledge, talented people and creation. The 10th CPPCC National Committee will create a good environment to encourage CPPCC members to do business and make success.

(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2003)