One key task for lawmakers and advisors is to chart the course for the next five years, what's known in China as the 12th Five Year Program. NPC deputies from around the country have gathered in the capital with suggestions based on personal investigation.
NPC Deputy Jiao Fuhua has always focused on migrant workers. Jiao returned to the biggest labor market in the populous southwestern city of Chengdu. She estimates some 15 percent of local farmers-turned workers might give up looking for work in the city. And nearly two-thirds are confident of finding a job at home.
A migrant worker said, "The income here is a little lower than in Shenzhen or Shanghai, but finding a job here means I can live with my family, which could make me much happier."
Jiao Fuhua, NPC Deputy, said, "A migrant worker told me the national policy regarding workers' rights is not carried out well here. They are giving me the facts and good advice as well. I will bring it all to the NPC session."
On the way back from an investigation in villages in Hunan province, six NPC deputies continue their discussion on how to improve the workers' income.
Wen said, "This is a photo captured the moment when a worker received 500 yuan, an increase based on the monthly income. Look at her big smile. This women's income receipt shows a steady increase of 20 percent for one year."
Ren Yuqi, NPC Deputy, said, "I don't think the increase in worker's income is enough. It should be higher. What's your opinion? "
Wang Tian said, "I think that the key is to build up a fair and reasonable income distribution system for the 12th Five-Year Program."
Constituents in East China tell advisors about the transformation of the country's economic growth pattern.
Cui Xiuliang, Deputy Director of Ningbo High Tech Zone Mgmt. Comm., said, "If this piece of land is used to build real estate, the profit will be huge, but the government has other considerations."
CPPCC member of Li Lixin, said, "However, the income is one-off. So instead selling to a real-estate developer, a research zone is built up for a long-term benefit.I believe that the transformation is a must, though it will definitely require great efforts. We have no other choice because the economic development must depend on efficiency, quality and technology. "
There are minds that think alike. The eastern coastal provinces of Zhejiang and Shandong are moving their focus to a far future rather than a near one. Both have slowed down their target numbers on GDP. The policy-makers believe that the change could leave some space for a change in direction.
