Gao replaced his predecessor Zhu Zhigang, who was expelled in December after being accused of breaking the law and was under investigation for helping his close relatives buy property at discounted prices.

According to the agenda adopted at a preparatory meeting, the NPC deputies will hear and deliberate the government work report, reports of the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and vote on the plan of national economic and social development and the central budget for 2009.

A total of 2,985 NPC deputies are expected to attend the annual full session of the national legislature at the Great Hall of the People.

The presidium also held its first meeting on Wednesday.

(Xinhua News Agency March 4, 2009)