Conducting investigation and study is an important form for CPPCC members to carry out their functions. In 2004, members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), centering on some major issues concerning the national economy and people's livelihood, conducted thorough investigations and studies, actively offered advices and made suggestions, and finally wrote out over 90 inspection and investigation reports, in which they put forward lots of opinions and suggestions.

These reports have received high attention from the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and have provided important materials of reference for Party and government democratic and scientific policy-making.

Through these investigation achievements, we can feel CPPCC members'graceful bearings as expressed in their participation in the administration and discussion of state affairs centered on two main themes of solidarity and democracy, as well as their sincerity in offering advices and suggestions for the state.

Keywords: Non-public economy

Fact finding: On the basis of thorough investigations and studies, the Economic Committee of the CPPCC National Committee sent in the "Suggestions on Promoting Non-public Economic Development" in February last year. In the written instructions given by leaders of the State Council on the investigation report, it is pointed out: In implementing the spirit of the Third Plenum of the 16th CPC Central Committee to promote the development of non-public economic sectors, there should be an all-round consideration, it is imperative to set about to study some major policy problems and it is best to formulate a guidance document. Following these instructions, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Research Office of the State Council started with the work of drafting the document. Last September, the Economic Committee of the CPPCC National Committee held a forum, collated and sent in the "Opinions and Suggestions about the Policy Document (amended version) on Promoting Non-public Economic Development".

Suggestions: Placing non-public economic sectors in the entire national economy for analysis and deepening understanding of the status and role of the non-public economy; establishing the position of the non-public economy as the mainstay in participating in fair competition under a market economy in the aspects of market access, investment and fund-raising and tax burden; consolidating the continuity of policies adopted by governments at various levels toward the non-public economy, trying hard to avoid the negative effects brought by government behavior to the non-public economic sectors; transforming government functions and building up governments of a service type.

Written instructions: These suggestions have been heeded and affirmed by leading comrades of the State Council. At the State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao on January 12 this year, the "Some Opinions of the State Council on Supporting and Guiding the Development of the Non-Public Economy" was adopted in principle. This document absorbed the opinions and suggestions of CPPCC members, and embodies the spirit of conducting democratic consultation and making scientific decision from beginning to end.

Keywords: West bank economic zone across the Straits

Fact finding: Between last May and June, the inspection group formed of standing committee members of the CPPCC National Committee, focusing on the topic of speeding up west-bank economic development and expanding cross-strait economic cooperation and exchange, went to Guangdong and Fujian provinces on an inspection tour and worked out the inspection report entitled "Accelerating Economic Development on the West Bank Across the Straits, Promoting a Peaceful Reunification of the Motherland".

Suggestions: A west-bank economic zone across the Straits to be established at the suggestion of Fujian Province is an organic integration of boosting economic development and promoting reunification of the motherland, which is conducive to upgrading China's entire economic strength along its southeast coasts and to promoting cross-strait exchange and cooperation. It is proposed that starting with developing the regional economy, further efforts be made to strengthen the foundation for cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges; it is necessary to use a scientific development concept to guide regional cooperation and cross-strait exchanges and contacts; to make central cities big and strong and let them play a radiation role; to strengthen cultural links, enhance national cohesion, etc. It is suggested that the State give the region necessary support and include this in the "11th Five-Year" plan.

Written instructions: Leaders of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council have given their written instructions on this report. In their letters of reply, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce expressed the view that the suggestions by the CPPCC National Committee are very good, saying that these proposals are of important value of reference for spurring economic-trade development between Fujian and Taiwan, and on the basis of these proposals, the two institutions have put forward their concrete opinions on strengthening this work.

Keywords: Private enterprises"going global"

Fact finding: In June last year, members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPPCC National Committee made an investigation tour to Zhejiang Province where private enterprises have been developing fairly fast, and worked out the document titled "Consideration and Suggestion on Private Enterprises ��Going Global'".

Suggestions: The report puts forward 12 policy suggestions, which mainly involve the change of concepts, strengthening of leadership, acceleration of legislation, improvement of incentive policies, reform of the examination and approval system for external investments, etc. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPPCC National Committee also proposed the establishment of a state-level leading-organizational setup to strengthen leadership over the work of "going global"from a strategic height.

Written instructions: The written instructions from leaders of the CPPCC National Committee propose that the Ministry of Commerce and other departments consider and discuss policies and measures encouraging and guiding private enterprises to "go global". Relevant leaders of the State Council have also made their written instructions.

Keywords: Well-known historical and cultural cities

Fact finding: The investigation group of the Historical Records Committee of the CPPCC National Committee last year went to Shaanxi and Yunnan provinces and Beijing Municipality to inspect the protection and construction of famous historical and cultural cities there, and worked out the "Investigation Report on the Protection of Famous Historical and Cultural Cities".

Suggestions: Including the work of protecting famous historical and cultural cities into the "11th Five-Year" plan, discussing and promulgating as quickly as possible regulations on the protection of well-known historical and cultural cities, establishing a system of annual report on the situation of protection, doing a good job in the revision, formulation and implementation of the plan, enhancing awareness of overall protection, broadening channels of funds for protection, strengthening the work of publicity and education, etc.

Written instructions: Leaders of the State Council transmitted the report to the Ministry of Construction for reading and deliberation, pointing out the need to intensify protection of well-known historical and cultural cities and join relevant departments in making overall consideration, working out practical plans and putting them into practice step by step.

The article by People's Daily (Overseas Edition) correspondent Ye Xiaonan is published on the front page of this newspaper on March 3 and translated by People's Daily Online