Chinese leaders joined deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, in deliberating the government work report by Premier Wen Jiabao Thursday, calling for concerted efforts to overcome difficulties and achieve fresh development.

When joining NPC deputies from the eastern Jiangsu Province, President Hu Jintao urged them to have a clear mind of the current domestic and international situation, saying "challenges before us are really severe, but opportunities still exist".

It is a must to seize the opportunities, brave the challenges and do our utmost to minimize the impact of the international financial crisis, Hu said.

"(We) must break new ground by tackling challenges and achieve fresh development by overcoming difficulties," he added.

He called for more efforts to improve the well-being of the people especially when there are difficulties in the way of economic development. This included increasing job opportunities, expanding the social security net and providing better education and medical care services.

The president urged officials at all levels to oppose waste and extravagance and make good use of money to promote economic and social development and improve people's lives.

He asked officials to "study earnestly, behave honestly and work with integrity."

While deliberating the report with lawmakers from Anhui Province, top legislator Wu Bangguo said priority should given to maintaining steady and relatively rapid economic growth, accelerating economic restructuring and improving people's well-being.

Top political advisor Jia Qinglin echoed Wu's view while discussing with deputies from Beijing.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, told said that as the national capital, Beijing has gained precious experience from hosting the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

Based on the experience, he hoped the people in Beijing could succeed in creating a good atmosphere for celebrations of the 60th anniversary of New China which falls on Oct. 1.

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the Scientific Outlook on Development should be embodied in cultural building to better serve the people's cultural needs and promote economic and social progress.

While attending a group discussion with lawmakers from Sichuan Province, Li also praised the province for its reconstruction efforts after the May 12 earthquake last year.

Vice President Xi Jinping joined deputies from Shanghai in their discussion and praised the people of Shanghai in their preparations for hosting the World Expo due to open in 2010.

He called on Shanghai officials to do everything possible to improve people's lives, properly handle issues concerning the interests of the people and maintain social stability.

(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2009)