VP calls for greater efforts to improve livelihood

BEIJING - Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping on Saturday urged greater efforts to improve people's livelihood while the country seeks the transformation of its economic growth pattern.

Xi made the remarks while joining a panel discussion on Premier Wen Jiabao's government work report with deputies to the National People's Congress, the top legislature, from the eastern province of Zhejiang.

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He said financial input should be increased, institutional reform should be deepened, education should be developed with greater efforts, and employment should be expanded in this regard.

He also called for establishing a social security system covering both urban and rural residents, and developing social services and cultural industries.

The NPC annual session opened Friday morning and is scheduled to last about 10 days.