President Hu Jintao yesterday stressed the importance of reform and innovation to implement development and promote social harmony for the coming year.
To fulfill all the tasks for the year, China should "unswervingly stick to the direction of reform and step it up in key areas", Hu said in a speech at the New Year's Day gathering held by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up that has historical significance for both the Party and the country.
"China is facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges." President Hu said. He mentioned that the nation would review the three-decade reform to grasp its significance, and he called on citizens to be on guard against conceit and rashness and to continue to strive for new achievements.
Hu said the nation will this year continue to curb rising prices, enhance environmental protection policies, expand socialist democracy and increase efforts to improve people's livelihoods.
（英语点津 Celene 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Brendan is an Australian who has been involved in education and writing for over a decade. He has published most recently for the Tiger Airways Inflight magazine, The Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times and Japan's Hiroshima Outside Magazine. He holds a Masters Degree in Community Development and Management and has resided in China for over 3 years.
