Overseas media pay attention to 'two sessions'
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-03-14 22:44

BEIJING -- Overseas opinions have paid great attention to China's annual sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), holding the view that this year's "two sessions" will have a great influence on China's development.

Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao said that China's annual "two sessions" have drawn increasing attention from overseas media. The reason is that China's economy has maintained growth, its international status has improved and its links with other countries have become closer. The other reason is that there is much news at the "two sessions" that is considered  an indispensable window for the outside world to get to know China.

Du Jinsen, chairman of the Chinese research institute of Vietnam's Academy of Social Science, said that there are many new issues at this year's sessions. The delegates came from wider walks of life and are younger. The ratio of women, non-party and democratic party delegates increased, demonstrating the high-level of democracy in Chinese society.

Nakata Yoshio, chairman of the Japan Association for the Promotion of International Trade, said the NPC session is one of vital importance which will have significant influence on the future development of China.

This year's session focused on the establishment of a harmonious society on the basis of changing the former economic operation model and paying a great attention to energy-saving and environmental protection, Yoshio said, adding that it has made great impression on him.

Jelena Staburova, chairwoman of Latvia's Confucius Center, said the "two sessions" further apply the principles and policies which drew in the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, make out new state plans of development, restructure government institutions and elect new leaders of the country.

It is of great significance to the development of China, Staburova added.

The US' Chinese Business News highlighted the "two sessions" with its focus on livelihood issues. It said in an editorial Thursday that the Chinese government not only has the determination to value livelihood issues, but also has been advocating that democracy and livelihood develop together in harmony with an open attitude.

It is recognized worldwide that the Chinese leaders have been devoting themselves to developing the economy and improving people's living standards, said Sikder, general secretary of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Society.

It can be seen from the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's report on the government's work that China is realizing the steady development of the economy, Sikder added.

Talaat Ahmed El Kawass, First Deputy of Cairo Chamber of Commerce, said that the "two sessions" demonstrate the Chinese government's efforts in taking measures to curb inflation and control rising prices, to avoid the economy overheating, and to deepen reform in government institutions which will help maintain a smooth, rapid and sustainable economic development, integrate resources and raise efficiency.