Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tuesday called on members of all political parties, social organizations and ethnic groups to make concerted efforts to push forward China's reform, opening up and modernization.

The great cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics needs the joint efforts of people around the country, and this is what the Chinese leadership has stressed, Hu said at a meeting attended by leaders of all non-communist parties, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and public figures without party affiliation.

Hu extended New Year's greetings to them on behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council.

Speaking highly of the country's progress achieved under the leadership of the CPC, the participants also put forward ideas and proposals for the formulation and implementation of the country's 2006-2010 program for economic and social development and the building of an innovation-oriented country.

They expressed the determination to adhere to the system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC.

Hu thanked the non-communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and public figures without party affiliation for their efforts in participation in state affairs and democratic supervision, as well as their contribution to the country's economic and social development, social stability and national reunification.

Despite the remarkable progress, "we must keep sober-minded and must be aware of the contradictions and challenges before us, and the existing shortcomings and problems as well," the president said.

He hoped the non-communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and personages without party affiliation to play their role for the country's reform, development and stability.

Hu also hoped they would offer more advice on and contribute to the country's economic development, democratic process, social stability and harmony, and the endeavor to help all members of the general public to share the fruit of development.

(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2006)