A preliminary government work report, an edition for soliciting opinions, was heatedly discussed by participants of the third plenary meeting of the State Council Sunday.

The meeting, presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao, decided to distribute the government work report to relevant departments and all provincial governments to solicit opinions.

The draft government work report will be submitted to the second session of the 10th National People's Congress, which will be convened early this March.

Wen delivered a speech to the meeting, saying that the Chinese people won the severe fight against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and scored great achievements in the reform and opening-up drive during the past year, under the guidance of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council.

But difficulties and problems still existed, Wen said, adding that some deep-rooted contradictions and problems, which accumulated over the years, still remained unsolved.

"We had a better understanding of the law of building modernization, that is, governments at all levels should build up the scientific concept of comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development, and take the improvement of people's life quality and health as their fundamental work," Wen said.

Wen pointed out that the year 2004 is a very significant period for China's reform and development. The tasks are very arduous of deepening reform, seeking development and maintaining stability. Some problems, which closely concern people's interests, should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Wen said in the run-up to the second session of the 10th NPC and the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the State Council would continue to solicit opinions on the government work report by holding symposiums with people from non-communist parties, business circles, science circles, education and cultural circles.

"As long as we stick to the guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory and the "Three Represents" important thought and keep in line with the leadership of the CPC's Central Committee, we could overcome any difficulties whatsoever and continue to push forward the country's modernization drive", said Wen.

(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2004)