Premier Li Keqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chaired a symposium on the draft government work report, the draft 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035.

Vice-Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting.

At the symposium held on Jan 25, seven representatives from the education, science, culture, healthcare, sports sectors, and grassroots levels offered their opinions.

Premier Li said China made significant progress in epidemic control and social and economic development against multiple impacts, demonstrating the people-oriented principle.

The people, Premier Li said, are the power source of China's development, and social and economic development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) should center on the people and push forward social undertakings to resolve any unbalanced development.

That requires collective wisdom and efforts from all sectors, Premier Li added.

After listening to speeches by Luo Jun, president of Sun Yat-sen University, and Fang Zhong, director of the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Premier Li said people are expecting quality and fair education, which affects the long-term development of the country.

He called for efforts to strengthen weak links in compulsory education so children in rural and remote areas can get a better education.

Both middle schools and universities should pay more attention to basic subjects, such as mathematics and physics, the Premier said, stressing laying a solid theoretical foundation for students and cultivating more innovative talent.

The Premier also urged improving capacity for scientific and technological innovation, enhancing basic research in relation to international trends, optimize supporting mechanisms, consolidating innovation foundations, deepening the reform of science and technology systems, promoting creativity among research fellows, and forming new advantages for development.

After Wang Hao, CEO of medical company Haodaifu Online, made suggestions on Internet Plus healthcare, Premier Li acknowledged the contribution of healthcare workers to epidemic control, stressed a better public health system and easier access to quality medical resources with technological support via new technologies such as the internet.

Volleyball player Zhu Ting shared her ideas for fostering sports talent. Premier Li called for more basic skills training for youth to generate more talents, and encouraged nongovernment forces to offer better sports products and services.

Tian Qinxin, head of the National Theater of China, and Chen Baoguo, a national first-class actor, gave their advice on literature and art creation.

Premier Li said Chinese culture is the foundation for the endless and prosperous continuity of the nation. To uphold outstanding Chinese traditional culture, it is necessary to inherit classic works and create more inspiring works to satisfy the increasing demand of the people.

In response to Li Xiangde, the head of a rice production company in Southwest China’s Sichuan province, whose advice is to give more support to big grain cultivators and specialized cooperatives, Premier Li said safeguarding grain security is an important part of implementing the rural revitalization strategy.

Premier Li also stressed improving and strengthening policy support for agriculture, fully respecting the will of farmers, developing multiform moderate scale operations, increasing the risk resistance and market competitiveness of agriculture, and expanding the income channels of farmers.

Vice-Premiers Sun Chunlan, Hu Chunhua and Liu He, and State Councilors Wang Yong and Xiao Jie, and He Lifeng, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, also attended the meeting.