Deputies to the Ninth National People's Congress, China's highest law-making body, regarded a government work report delivered by Premier Zhu Rongji as being pragmatic and realistic and free of trumpery and cliches.

Liang Shaotang, a deputy from south China's Guandong province, said: "The report on government work this year not only touches on all five issues of common concern last year,but refers directly to prominent problems in need of urgent settlement this year and proposes feasible solutions. The report is inspiring and enables us to see our future direction."

Another deputy named Ye Xionggan said the report this year presents a clearer picture of China's economic performance by providing various indicators in that regard rather than the amount of the Gross Domestic Product only. "This indicates that the central government is more concerned about quality-oriented growth rather than the size of the economy," he said.

Deputies from western China's Shaanxi, Gansu provinces, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Inner Mongolia agreed that the report on the work of the government gives them an impression that the government is a pragmatic one, which does not exaggerate achievements and shun problems.

"The report indicates that the government's knowledge about realities at the grassroots level is complete and accurate, which enabled it to set a practical and feasible work agenda for the new year," said Deputy Wu Dengchang.

Mayor of Shanghai Xu Kuangdi said the report uses plain words and its analysis of problems and difficulties indicates that the government is fully confident in the nation's future.

Deputy Lu Yansun said the report focuses on ten major tasks the State Council -- China's cabinet -- needs to deal with this year rather than touches on everything, which indicates a pragmatic attitude.