Chinese Prime Minister hears public opinion to formulate key policies

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang heard the opinions and views of people from fields of science, education, culture, medicine and sports along with the general public at a forum before drafting a government work report on policy making to be presented at the NPC session next month.

A total of 10 representatives shared their views on the government's work in 2013 and made some suggestions to improve the report at a forum held on Friday, according to a circular published today.

The speakers included hybrid rice researcher Yuan Longping, writer Feng Jicai, actor Li Xuejian and badminton star Lin Dan, as well as representatives from universities, hospitals and bookstores, according to the circular.

"The purpose of the country's development is to serve the people's material and cultural demands. Without progress in science, education, culture, health and sports, our development will not be a comprehensive one, and is unsustainable," Li said.

After hearing opinions from a university student entrepreneur, Li said the government should formulate a programme to support business start-ups by university students and graduates.

In response to comments from a farmer from central Hunan Province and a migrant worker in eastern Jiangsu Province, Li said the party and the government will pay continuous attention to solving their difficulties, and the representatives' comments will be taken into account in improving the draft, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The Chinese Premier meets select members of the public to hear their views every year before the beginning of the annual session of National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature expected to be held later next month, where he presents the work report.