CPPCC's proposals and suggestions play pivotal role in country's policymaking

Bringing together representatives from various political parties, organizations, ethnic groups, and other sectors of society to conduct political consultation, democratic supervision, and participation in the deliberation and administration of State affairs, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference serves as a key component of the country's political system.

As the third plenary session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC, China's top political advisory body, concluded on Monday in Beijing, a resolution on the work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, a resolution on the report on how the proposals from political advisers have been handled since the previous annual session, a report on the examination of new proposals, and the political resolution on the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee were all approved. This reflects the hard work and dedication of the CPPCC members.

Consisting of more than 2,000 members from all walks of life, mostly experts, professionals and industry leaders in their respective fields, the 14th CPPCC National Committee has played its role well over the past year, and made its due contribution to helping the country fulfill its socioeconomic development objectives. And the significant role the top political advisory body will play in shaping China's future should not be underestimated.

In an indication of how important the CPPCC's role is as a valuable resource for the central authorities' policymaking, over the past year, the CPPCC National Committee organized research on 42 projects concerning major issues related to the country's socioeconomic development, conducted 85 discussions on issues concerning State affairs and handled more than 5,000 proposals from CPPCC members.

Despite the fact that China has achieved the objectives of its socioeconomic development in 2024, it still faces many unpredictable factors this year. To achieve the annual economic growth target of around 5 percent will be challenging given the volatile global situation and various obstacles that need to be overcome.

As such, the country's political advisers need to fully leverage their expertise, knowledge and experience to provide support in the form of practical suggestions to aid the efforts of the policymakers and lawmakers as they work to stimulate domestic demand, foster innovation and smooth the economic cycle.

There are tough challenges for the political advisers to wrap their heads around. The country needs to develop new drivers and new advantages for its high-quality economic development. It must strive to strengthen its innovation-driven development, while accelerating the transformation and upgrading of its traditional industries and making greater efforts to forge new quality productive forces. And it must enhance the resilience and competitiveness of its industry and supply chains.

At the same time, the country has to accelerate reform of its financial system, consolidate its agricultural foundation so that it can firmly hold the rice bowl in its own hands, and address the challenges posed by its fast aging society and negative population growth — China's population dropped by 1.39 million last year and 22 percent of its population is aged 60 or above.

The advisers are expected to offer valuable insights and suggestions to the policymakers in their respective sectors by finding a proper position and clear direction for their active participation in the policymaking process.

They should conduct in-depth fact-finding missions in their fields of expertise to determine what specific policy adjustments are needed to consolidate the achievements in poverty alleviation, and what government assistance enterprises need in order to make headway.

They should strengthen their cooperation with experts in various fields and other non-CPC political parties to study specific problems. Only by doing all these will they be able to proactively offer recommendations and proposals to help the government successfully complete its tasks and achieve its objectives for the year ahead.

The CPPCC plays a vital role in promoting socialist democracy, enhancing unity among different groups, and contributing to the modernization of China's governance system and capabilities. By being good advisers, helpers and partners to the policymaking authorities, its members are expected to make practical contributions to the country's social and economic development. Through their dedication and commitment to serving the nation, the CPPCC members exemplify the spirit of cooperation and solidarity that is essential for China's continued progress.