CRI听力： China's Top Legislature Concludes its Annual Session

China's top legislature, the National People's Congress, has finished its annual session, with members electing the country's senior leaders. Delegates also passed changes to the State Council, or cabinet, and signed off on plans for China's development. Both participants and the general public are looking forward to future development of the country. Our reporter Shuangfeng has the details.

Reporter:

At the closing ceremony, Hu Jintao, who was re-elected to another five-year term as China's president, has stressed that the government must unswervingly work for clean governance in the interests of the people.

"We'll strictly exercise self-discipline, devote ourselves to the public, and serve the country and the people in a cautious, conscientious and clean-fingered way. We will keep to the principle of 'putting people first', respect the people's status, exert their pioneering spirit and safeguard their rights and interests."

President Hu Jintao's speech is later echoed by Wu Bangguo, China's top lawmaker. While delivering a closing speech, he pledges to work harder for the people in accordance with the laws.

"The NPC and its Standing Committee will continue to enhance and improve supervision, maintain social fairness and justice and bring into better play the role of the people's congress in supervising government work and promote governance according to law."

Deputies to the top legislature say they have faith in the new leadership.

Zhang Bailiang is a deputy from central China's Henan Province.

"Why did we vote for them if we had no confidence in them? We trust them. I am sure our economy will develop better with their leadership."

Zhou Ruqiang is from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

"I cast an affirmative vote. I also have great confidence in them, because I am impressed by what our government has done in the snow disaster this year."

Participants to the NPC session have agreed that he next five years is a critical period for China in its quest to build a prosperous society. The restructuring of the State Council signals the country's fresh effort to drive economic and political reform.

Five "super ministries" concerning transport, information, housing, human resources and environmental protection, as well as changes in other government departments were fixtures of the reshuffle plan.

For instance, the State Food and Drug Administration now comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Health.

Shao Mingli is director of the agency

"The reshuffle will help better balance the regulations regarding the supervision of food and drugs. We are now at a new starting point. We face new challenges as well as new opportunities."

The central government's reshuffle has won support from the public.

"Personally, I think it's good. With economic and social development, barriers between governmental departments should be broken down gradually. There will be more communication between them. And this will help improve the working efficiency of our government."

Chinese president Hu Jintao has expressed confidence that the government will revitalize the Chinese nation and build a moderately prosperous society in all respects.