The annual session of the National People's Congress and the People's political Consultative Conference is attracting attention from around the world. Many foreigners, especially economists, are keen to know how China plans to boost its economy during the current global downturn, while also maintaining social stability.

Chris Spohr, Economist of Asia Development Bank

Chris Spohr has been in China for over 4 years. He's now a fluent mandarin speaker and works as an economist at the Asian Development Bank.

For him, one of the most important ways to learn about China's development is keeping up-to-date with the annual sessions of the legislative and political advisory bodies.

His biggest concern this year is how China will tackle the global downturn.

The impact of the global financial crisis and China's economic boom have posed challenges to social stability. As a specialist on social development, Dr. Spohr expects stronger action on improving people's welfare and livelihoods.

Spohr says 2009 will be "challenging" for China. But he's also optimistic for the future, because of what he called "encouraging" and "proactive" measures on the way.

China's development now is not only about itself. Latest figures show that the number of journalists covering this year's political sessions is a record three thousand. About a third are foreign media workers. The world will be watching China's moves to ensure opportunities and stability.

(CCTV March 4, 2009)