Abraham Lincoln's reference at Gettysburg to government of the people, by the people, for the people is one of the world's best-known political sound bites. In his March 5 report to the National People's Congress (NPC), Premier Wen Jiabao said China needs a service-oriented government in tune with the demands of the people.

NPC deputy Wang Baocun, also the Communist Party chief of Shangqiu City in Central China Henan Province. (Wang Ke / China.org.cn)

"The idea that, 'the state advances, the private sector retreats' is incorrect," Wang Baocun, an NPC deputy and Communist Party chief of Shangqiu City in Henan Province told China.org.cn on March 8, referring to a saying that has recently become popular in China.

He said improving people's wellbeing is the fundamental goal of economic development.

"The government can only ensure sustained economic development and build a solid foundation for social progress and lasting stability if it guarantees and improves the people's wellbeing," he said.

(NPC deputy Wang Baocun is also the Communist Party chief of Shangqiu City in Central China Henan Province. [Wang Ke / China.org.cn]

Premier Wen's report pledged 43.3 billion yuan to stimulate employment, giving priority to college graduates, rural migrant workers and demobilized military personnel.

The country will increase basic pensions for enterprise retirees by 10 percent and the central government has allocated 318.5 billion yuan for this purpose.