URBAN-RURAL DEVELOPMENT INTEGRATION

Top political advisor Jia Qinglin joined NPC deputies from Beijing. He also underscored the transformation of economic growth.

Jia, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said balancing the development in urban and rural areas is the fundamental requirement to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects and an important powerhouse to further release the vigor of economic and social development.

Jia, also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, told the lawmakers Beijing should take the lead in seeking a new pattern of urban-rural integration and narrow the urban-rural gap as soon as possible given the capital's good economic basis.

CULTURAL INDUSTRY'S CONTRIBUTION TO TRANSFORMATION

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, underlined cultural industry's contribution during a discussion with deputies from western Sichuan province.

China should push forward the development and reforms of the cultural industry, Li said.

He said the development of cultural industry would not only make great contribution to the upgrading of the modern service industry and the country's economic restructuring, but also bolster domestic demand and increase employment as well.

Li said the industry is endowed with particular advantages including a promising future, high technology, low energy consumption and limited pollution.

"It can be an important drive in China's economic restructuring and the transformation of development pattern," he said.

A booming cultural industry would also boost the economic growth of the underdeveloped regions, and help with energy saving and emission reduction to ensure a sustainable growth, Li noted.

SHANGHAI URGED TO PLAY LEADING ROLE

While deliberating the government's work report with Shanghai lawmakers in a group discussion, Vice President Xi Jinping said the city should play a leading role in the country's efforts to transform the pattern of economic development.

The transformation is an "urgent need "for implementing the scientific outlook on development and building a harmonious society, Xi said.

He called for the city to hold a successful, clean and thrifty World Expo with the strength of all its residents and with the wisdom of people from all over the country and world.