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".

Chinese President Hu Jintao (front R), meets with deputies to the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) from east China's Jiangsu Province, in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2009. Hu Jintao joined in the panel discussion of Jiangsu delegation on the opening day of the Second Session of the 11th NPC. (Xinhua/Fan Rujun)

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."