In his 40-page government report, he also talked about energy conservation, emission reduction, environmental protection and ensuring product quality and safety, ensuring the wellbeing of the people and improve their lives, as well as accelerating reform of the administrative system and intensifying government self-improvement.
"Our current plan for the reform of bodies of the State Council mainly centers on changing the way the government functions, appropriately dividing responsibilities among departments that exercise macroeconomic regulation, adjusting and improving bodies in charge of industrial management, and improving departments responsible for public administration and public services. The plan explores ways to establish larger departments that organically integrate the functions of smaller departments," Wen said.
To resolve the problem of overlapping responsibilities and of powers not being matched by responsibilities, the plan clearly defines the responsibilities and powers of each department, clarifies the relationship of responsibilities among departments, and improves the mechanism for interdepartmental coordination and cooperation.
"The plan will be submitted to you for deliberation and approval," he said.
He pointed out in his report that it has been 30 years since China introduced the reform and opening up policy, which has brought about great historic changes to the country. However China is still in the primary stage of socialism and will remain so for a long time to come.
"To further promote unfettered development of the productive forces, promote greater social fairness and justice, and attain the magnificent goals of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and modernizing China, we must continue to unswervingly implement the reform and opening up policy," Wen added.
Wen said the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics will be held in Beijing. "We will prepare for and organize the Games well, strengthen cooperation with the international community, and create an excellent environment to ensure that the Games are a unique, well-run sporting event."
When mentioning national defense and the military, Wen said, "Our aim is to enable the army to fully carry out its historic mission in the new stage in the new century, enhance its ability to respond to security threats and accomplish a diverse array of military tasks, staunchly protect China's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and provide strong support for building a moderately prosperous society in all respects."
When mentioning cross-Straits relations, he said any issue that concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be decided by all the Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots.
"The attempts of Taiwan independence secessionist forces to deny the reality that the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China and to undermine peace in the Taiwan Straits are doomed to fail," Wen said.
The opening meeting was presided over by NPC Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo.
A total of 2,970 lawmakers were present at the opening meeting, along with top leaders Hu Jintao, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang.
The 13-day-and-a-half session will elect the leadership and members of the 11th NPC Standing Committee, state president and vice president, chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China (PRC), president of the Supreme People's Court and the procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate.
The session will also decide on the candidate for the premiership of the State Council, candidates for vice-premiers, state councilors, heads of all ministries and commissions, governor of the People's Bank of China, auditor-general of the National Audit Office, secretary-general of the State Council and the candidates for vice-chairmen and members of the Central Military Commission of the PRC.
(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2008)