The 12th National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature of China, will start its?first session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 9:00?a.m on March 5. Premier Wen Jiabao will deliver a report on the work of the government at the opening meeting.

China.org.cn will present you a live coverage on the event.

According to the agenda, deputies will elect the chairman and vice chairpersons of the 12th NPC Standing Committee, as well as the country's president and vice president. They will also decide on the premier, vice premiers, state councilors and government ministers.

The session is scheduled to last 12-and-a-half days.

A total of 2,987 deputies to the 12th NPC?were elected earlier this year.