The annual sessions of the NPC and the CPPCC has attracted much attention this year, says an article in People's Daily. The following is an excerpt:

This year the world faces more challenges. The United States, a superpower, is likely to slip into economic recession; the economic growth of European countries may also slow down. This is bad news. But people still feel confident about the emerging countries like China and India.

The international community is very much concerned about how China will deal with the world's grave economic prospects. They are looking for answers at the two very important political meetings in China.

We can say that the interest shown by the world at this year's sessions of the NPC and the CPPCC may surpass that of past years. We notice there are a great number of overseas journalists in China to cover the meetings.

The Communist Party of China has held its 17th National Congress. The task in the next five years is to execute plans and turn the blueprint mapped out by the congress into reality. It is really important that the first year after the congress meeting makes a good start.

During this year's NPC and CPPCC sessions, new faces will appear in the leadership. The sessions will also discuss the reshuffling of the State Council. This is the sixth reform of the State Council.

Although the overall economic situation of China remains good, the country faces new problems following double-digit growth in the past five years. Early this year, China was severely struck by devastating snowstorms, the society is concerned about soaring inflation, tough employment prospects, and environmental issues caused by the advancement of China's industrialization. All these issues are bound to attract much attention at this year's sessions.

(China Daily March 6, 2008)