The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting Tuesday to consult leaders of non-communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and people with no party affiliation on major issues regarding economic and social development.

Chinese President and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao presided over the meeting, saying that building a well-off society in an all-round way and bringing about a great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation need wisdom and efforts from not only the CPC but also non-communist parties and people with no party affiliation.

Such discussion with non-communist figures is an important part of China's multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of CPC and a major effort to build a scientific and democratic decision-making mechanism, he said.

China has maintained rapid economic growth and smooth social development this year despite the outbreak of SARS and severe natural disasters, but problems still remain and effective measures must be taken, Hu said.

An overall, balanced and sustainable economic growth is key to building an affluent society in China, he said.

Non-communist figures are expected to put forward proposals to improve China's market economy, promote the development of sciences and technologies and contribute to a democratic, united, stable and vigorous political environment in China, Hu said.

The non-communist leaders voiced their views at the meeting, urging economic reforms and those in other fields. They also made proposals on major issues like health care service and education in rural areas, science and technologies development plan, restructuring of old industrial bases, expansion of domestic market, employment of rural redundant labor, development of private economy and social security network.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2003)