国内英语新闻:Chinese president stresses price stability, expansion of social security

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao has stressed the need to stabilize commodity prices, extend the coverage of the social security network and boost employment to ensure the country develops in a comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable manner.

Hu made the call Tuesday when presiding over lectures on economic development attended by members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

The lectures were given by two researchers respectively from the National Development and Reform Commission and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Efforts should be made to establish a long-term mechanism that increases consumptions, renovate and upgrade traditional industries, and cultivate and support strategic emerging industries, Hu noted.

Hu, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, called for deepening of the country's reform and opening up, adding that improving people's livelihood and ensuring their well-being, promoting economic growth and maintaining social stability are the Party's top agenda.

Hu said impetus should be given to the development of the service industry as well as to the coordination of regional development, and vigorous yet steady endeavors should be made to advance urbanization.

Hu also called for efforts to embrace reform and innovation in the country's economic, political, cultural and social systems and urged local authorities to seek opinions and advice from the people in formulating regional development blueprints.

Further, Hu asked CPC officials to cement their ties with the people and do practical things for the public.