Members of the nation's non-Communist parties, chamber of commerce and representatives of people with no political affiliations yesterday pledged to work more closely with the Communist Party of China (CPC) to strive for a xiaokang society -- one that is well-off both materially and socially -- and the early reunification of the motherland.
"We will incorporate our efforts into the building of a xiaokang society under the leadership of CPC by focusing our research on issues to the people's general concern," said Zhang Qia, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Standing Committee and a representative of those without party affiliation.
Zhang's remarks came at the latest session of the CPPCC Standing Committee which focused on the report of last week's 16th CPC National Congress.
Lu Ming, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic National Construction Association, said his association was happy to see that the Party report mentions the development of venture capital, on which they have raised several proposals over the past five years.
Raising proposals or suggestions is a major channel through which non-Communist parties, chamber of commerce and non-party affiliates participate in State affairs.
Founded in 1945, Lu's association is mainly connected to economic sphere or experts and scholars.
Huang Mengfu, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, also known as the nation's chamber of commerce, promised to help private enterprise improve quality, establish modern corporate systems, introduce advanced management and upgrade innovation capabilities.
Turning to the party's goal of early reunification, Wu Guozhen, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League, said his party will keep a close watch on changes in Taiwan and conduct active research and publicity to help monitor the developing trends in cross-Straits relations.
His ideas and remarks were echoed by Zheng Shouyi, vice-chairperson of the Central Committee of China Zhi Gong Dang party, most of whose members are returned overseas Chinese and their relatives, experts, scholars and representatives with overseas connections.
Zheng said her party will make full use of its global resources to work more closely with overseas Chinese groups, to play a positive role in the reunification process.
(China Daily November 21, 2002)
