Deputies to the National People's Congress come from all parts of China and from many walks of life. For some, this will be their first National Congress to serve for five years as a representative for the people of their area. For others, it will be business as usual, in a changing China. To find out how the people of China are best served by their chosen representatives, china.org.cn takes a close-up look at the Congress deputies and what concerns they have for the China of today.

Here we meet Huang Xinde, a traditional Chinese opera artist.

Q: Where are you from?

A: Anhui Province.

Q: What is your profession?

A: I'm a Huangmei Opera performer.

Q: What is the issue of most concern to people in your area of China?

A: The province that I come from is largely an underdeveloped area. Agriculture has long dominated its economy and as a result it lags behind in today's commodity economy. People in the province are now most concerned about how to boost local economical development; create more jobs and raise personal income.

Q: What proposals have you made, or what did you hope to accomplish at this session?

A: Since this year will see the debut of the reform of public institutions, I will put forward a proposal on promoting the reform of current management systems in literature and art groups. I also want to listen to my colleagues from opera groups from around the country, get to know what their feelings are and share their experiences.

Q: What is your hope for the new term of government?

A: I have confidence in the new leadership of the Party and the state. Their practical work style has greatly inspired me. I know that the issues I suggest in my proposals won't be settled at once, but I hope they will be resolved gradually and as soon as possible. I also hope Huangmei Opera will play its role in the nation's drive to build an affluent society and bring more happiness to the audience as well as myself. I also hope the government will curtail those unnecessary ceremonial and award-giving activities and save the limited funds to build art facilities and literary organizations at grass roots level and provide preferential support to key art institutions and excellent artists. The government will also be commendable if it redistributes the surplus staff members laid off from art institutions to grass roots levels and check unhealthy tendencies in the entertainment circles.

(China.org.cn by Staff Reporter Chen Chao, March 12, 2003)