China National Democratic Construction Association begins national congress

BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The China National Democratic Construction Association (CNDCA), one of China's eight non-communist political parties, began its 10th national congress on Sunday.

Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivered a congratulatory speech to celebrate the opening of the congress on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

Liu said that since the establishment of the CNDCA 67 years ago, the organization has cooperated sincerely with the CPC and made great contributions to the country's revolution, construction and reform.

The CNDCA has put forward important suggestions and proposals on major economic and social issues, including construction of a housing guarantee system, maintenance of the safety of the capital market, promotion of the development of mid- and small-sized enterprises as well as poverty reduction in remote regions and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, Liu said.

The CNDCA has made great efforts to serve the people and achieved new progress in poverty alleviation, making donations to education and earthquake relief, as well as boosting local economic and social development, Liu added.

Liu praised the CNDCA's efforts to boost communication and cooperation between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in trade, education and culture.

"The CNDCA has made great efforts in maintaining the prosperity of Hong Hong and Macao, and in promoting the peaceful development of the relations across the Taiwan Strait," said Liu.

Liu also spoke highly of the CNDCA's efforts to improve its internal supervision mechanism and cultivate officials at the grassroots level.

Liu expressed hope that the CNDCA and its members will put forward suggestions and proposals for the country's economic, political, cultural and social construction as well as ecological conservation.

The CNDCA was also encouraged to play a bigger role in transforming the economic development pattern, optimizing economic structure and improving people's livelihoods, Liu added.

"We believe that the CNDCA, under its new leadership to be elected during the congress, will perform its duties in participating in the administration and discussion of state affairs and make more contributions to the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics," Liu said.

Chen Changzhi, executive chairman of the congress's presidium, delivered a work report on behalf of the CNDCA.

Chen said congress delegates will review the report, revise the association's constitution and elect a new central committee.

The association should study and implement the spirit of the 18th CPC National Congress, improve its capability in participating in the administration and discussion of state affairs, and unite all CNDCA members in contributing to the building of socialism with Chinese characteristics," Chen said.

Wan Gang, China's minister of science and technology and chairman of the Central Committee of the China Zhi Gong Party, also gave a congratulatory speech on behalf of the country's other non-communist political parties.

Wan said the CNDCA has made important contributions to deepening reforms, economic development, social harmony and national unification, adding that the association is expected to make greater contributions toward the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The congress will be held from Dec. 16 to 20.

The CNDCA was founded by patriotic industrialists, businessmen and intellectuals in southwest China's Chongqing municipality on Dec. 16, 1945.

China's eight democratic parties are the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, the China Democratic League, the China National Democratic Construction Association, the China Association for Promoting Democracy, the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the China Zhi Gong Party, the Jiu San Society and the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League.

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