Chinese President Hu Jintao and other senior leaders on Wednesday joined lawmakers in panel discussions of the government work report delivered by Premier Wen Jiabao.

When talking to deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) from the southwestern province of Yunnan, Hu called for making further progress in development by taking advantage of the country's greater efforts in implementing the Strategy to Develop Western China, as well as building the province into a bridgehead for Southwest China's opening up.

Hu said drought relief and securing the people's livelihood must be the the focus of the province's work at present, adding that the loss of the disaster should be reduced as much as possible.

Since December 2011, persistent drought in Yunnan has affected people in 15 prefectures and municipalities, leaving 3.19 million people and 1.58 million livestock short of drinking water, according to the provincial government.

Hu also urged lawmakers from Yunnan to promote unity among ethnic groups in a bid to achieve mutual prosperity.