-- The CPPCC will give full attention to factors affecting social stability that have their source in the excessive income gap; offer solutions and suggestions on adjusting the pattern of national income distribution, promoting more equitable access to basic public services, and providing social security and assistance to destitute people; and work hard to promote social fairness and justice.

Ethnic unity, religious harmony

-- The CPPCC earnestly implemented the Party's ethnic and religious policies, and energetically promoted ethnic unity and religious harmony.

-- The CPPCC conducted thorough investigations and studies on accelerating the economic and social development of autonomous ethnic minority prefectures, resolving problems related to income and social security concerning members of religious orders and employees of religious organizations, improving work concerning mixed ethnic group communities and ethnic minorities in urban areas, developing Tibetan medicine and pharmacology, and developing water conservancy and hydroelectricity in Tibet, with the goal of doing something substantive to improve the working and living conditions of ethnic minorities. The CPPCC actively participated in building solidarity and progress among ethnic groups and in publicity and educational activities on ethnic solidarity.

-- In 2010, the CPPCC will thoroughly carry out the ethnic and religious policies of the Party, and be concerned about and support economic and social development of ethnic minorities and ethnic minority areas.

-- The CPPCC will conscientiously implement the guiding principles of the central leadership's Fifth Forum on Tibet Work, and strive to achieve leapfrog development and lasting stability in Tibet and Tibetan ethnic areas in Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Qinghai provinces.

Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, overseas Chinese

-- Cleaving to the theme of peaceful development of the relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, the CPPCC made full use of its unique strengths to promote exchanges between the compatriots and cooperation between all sectors of society on both sides of the Straits.

-- The CPPCC carried out investigations and studies on promoting cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong, which resulted in suggestions that were greatly valued by the relevant authorities.

-- The CPPCC supported National Committee members from Hong Kong and Macao in carrying out investigations and studies with local social groups on special topics in their respective regions so that they would contribute to better implementing the principle of "one country, two systems" and to maintaining financial stability, promoting economic development and improving people's wellbeing in the two regions.

-- The CPPCC invited overseas Chinese to attend the Second Plenary Session of the Eleventh National Committee as observers, and solicited comments and suggestions from overseas Chinese and people of Chinese origin on how to fight the global financial crisis, promote education in the Chinese language overseas, and help Chinese students returning from overseas undertake scientific research, make innovations and start businesses.

-- In 2010, the CPPCC will carry out investigations and studies on cross-Straits economic, trade and cultural cooperation; deepen cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation; and strengthen emotional ties between people across the Straits.

-- The CPPCC will solicit the views of overseas Chinese experts on the formulation of the Twelfth Five-Year Plan, and conduct investigations and studies on safeguarding the rights and interests of overseas Chinese businesspeople and create conditions for overseas Chinese and Chinese students studying abroad to serve their country.

Foreign contacts

-- The CPPCC actively developed high-level visits to other countries, increased mutual political trust with them, and consolidated traditional friendship with them.

-- The CPPCC explained to other countries China's standpoint, measures and efforts in addressing climate change and the impact of the global financial crisis, and promoted bilateral economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges with other countries.

-- By the end of 2009, the CPPCC National Committee had established friendly relations with 236 institutions in 128 foreign countries and 13 international or regional organizations.

-- In 2010, the CPPCC will actively undertake its public diplomacy, and increase its contacts with the parliaments and congresses, governments, political parties, major think tanks, mainstream mass media, and influential figures from all walks of life in foreign countries.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2010)