China's top political advisory group vows to promote economy

Beijing - China's top political advisory committee, which began an annual meeting in the capital Saturday, vowed to promote economy and stability in the country.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the national committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said authorities would put in more effort in 2012 to stimulate "steady and robust" development of the country's economy and promote social stability.

Jia made the pledge in a report delivered at the opening session of the CPPCC national committee meet.

Jia said 2012 was an important year for carrying forward the implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015).

He promised in the report that the CPPCC will play its role well in "coordinating relations, pooling strengths, providing proposals and advice to policymakers".

The CPPCC will work with democratic parties, industrial federations and other organisations in making proposals and suggestions on major economic issues like expanding consumer demand and maintaining price stability, he said.

The annual session will conclude March 13. More than 2,000 members of the CPPCC national committee are attending the meet.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice President Xi Jinping, Vice Premier Li Keqiang and others attended the meet.

Founded in 1949, the CPPCC comprises the think-tank for the government and for the legislative and judicial organs.