Well-being At the Forefront
2013-12-29
The first session of the 12th National People’s Congress opened in Beijing on March 5. The annual event will see China’s leadership change. Premier Wen Jiabao, on behalf of the State Council, delivered his government work report for the last time on that day.
Wen reviewed the achievements of the past decade, especially the last five years, setting out anticipated targets and macroeconomic policy for future economic and social development.
The 15,000-word report, the shortest of the past 10 years, emphasized the government’s responsibility in improving people’s well-being.
In addition, five key areas were highlighted in response to public concern. These included income growth, the environment, rights and interests of rural people, health care and government reform.
The report went on to admit government shortcomings alongside challenges ahead.
Wen suggested the new term of government continue to give priority to ensuring and improving people’s well-being as well as advancing material and cultural living standards.
Current problems regarding the role of the government, corruption, pollution, unbalanced development between urban and rural areas as well as the income gap were also touched upon.
Similar to last year, PM 2.5 again made it onto the report. The document stated that economic growth should adapt to the endurance of natural resources and environment, and the government must make efforts to resolve environmental pollution and let people see hope by concrete actions.