"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 no 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 and virtual economy, on which they have raised several proposals over the past five years.

Raising proposals or suggestions is a major channel through which the non-Communist parties, chamber of commerce and non-party affiliates participate in State affairs.

Lu vowed to step up research efforts and constantly improve the quality of their proposals.

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 general 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 relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Wu's league is made up mostly of prominent people who were either from, or have family roots in Taiwan, but now reside on the mainland.

His ideas and remarks were echoed by Zheng Shouyi, vice-chairperson of the Central Committee of China Zhi Gong Dang, most of whose members are returned overseas Chinese and their relatives, experts, scholars and representatives with overseas connections.

Zheng said more and more overseas Chinese have established groups around the world aimed at promoting early reunification. She said her party will make full use of its global resources to consolidate these groups so that together they can play a positive role in the reunification process.

(China Daily November 21, 2002)