Hu Jintao attends New Year tea party

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-02-2009 09:12

Top CPC leaders have attended a New Year's Tea party at the Great Hall of the People here in Beijing. The event was held by the CPPCC National Committee to review the country's path in 2008, and look at the road ahead in 2009. President Hu Jintao called on the whole nation to make efforts to maintain a stable economy and a harmonious society.

President Hu Jintao called on the whole nation to make efforts to maintain a stable economy and a harmonious society.

Each year on January 1st, top leaders of the Communist Party of China join new year celebrations with the CPPCCAll nine members of the Politburo Standing Committee were present at this festive moment with new year wishes for the advisory body that represents many of the country's economic and social elite.

In his address, President Hu Jintao reviewed China's achievements and challenges in 2008. He said in the 30th year of the country's reform and opening up, China overcame challenges from home and abroad, and saw new economic, political, cultural and social achievements, with more benefits to the public. The past year also saw a rise in China's international status.

Looking ahead to 2009, Hu Jintao said there were urgent tasks for new progress in a landmark year, when the country will celebrate its 60th anniversary. He called for full efforts to develop a socialist nation with Chinese characteristics, push ahead the economy, and advance political, cultural, and social building in a scientific way.

Hu Jintao, said, "We should continue reform and opening-up, by liberating thought, and continuously perfecting the socialist market economy. We will focus on building an active, effective, and open social system, which can promote development in a scientific way, and provide an engine for social and economic development."