The flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the People's Daily, is sending New Year's greetings to the people and calling for greater progress in scientific development.

An editorial to be carried in Monday's People's Daily says China achieved remarkable progress in economic and social development in 2006,the first year of 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010).

It notes that the Chinese people faced significant changes and development in 2006, and 2007 promised even better.

"We are confident and capable of making more progress next year," it says, adding that the confidence and strength is based on the consensus of the people on pursuing a scientific development.

It is also based on the sound beginning of the national 11th five-year plan, in which macro-economic adjustments were made, the environment for development was improved and fast economic growth achieved.

Practising a scientific view of development also boosted the country's confidence and strength to achieve a better future, it says.

The article stresses that 2007 is a crucial year for the building of a harmonious socialist society and the successful convention of the 17th National Congress of the CPC.

The economic structure will be further adjusted, energy saving and environmental protection will be strengthened, and reform and opening-up and innovation will be continued.

The government will also pay more effort to solving issues of public concern, lead economic and social development on a scientific route and boost political and cultural advances.

To ensure achievements in 2007, Party members, especially cadres, must fully and correctly grasp the guidelines and strategies of the Party and the central government, and improve the capability to implement the scientific view of development.

"Cadres must study modern economics, science and technology, social management and laws so as to improve their ability to deal with the market economy, and boost innovation and social administration," it says.

Source: Xinhua