The International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (IAESCSI) should make proposals and suggestions about major world economic and social problems, China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin said in Beijing Wednesday.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 10th International Meeting of IAESCSI which will conclude on Thursday.

The IAESCSI has promoted research among members of the association and has become a bridge between them, Jia said.

Jia stressed that the IAESCSI should strengthen exchanges with other international organizations such as the United Nations to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

The association should also deepen exchanges among its members and promote North-South dialogue and mutual benefits so as to achieve world peace and development, Jia said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a letter of congratulations to the IAESCSI on Wednesday.

Since it was established, the IAESCSI has actively carried out extensive research and consultation in economic and social fields, and participated in the activities of international organizations including the United Nations, the letter read.

The IAESCSI has made efforts to eradicate poverty, promote employment and strengthen regional economic cooperation, according to the letter.

It is significant that this meeting is themed to "strengthen international cooperation, promote common development and build a harmonious world", Hu said in his letter, adding that the organization has an active role in helping participants carry out dialogue and discuss approaches to global challenges.

He said China will continue its independent foreign police of peace and make joint efforts with the IAESCSI to promote peace and stability in the world.

Established in 1999, the IAESCSI now has 49 members.

At the 9th international meeting of the IAESCSI held in Paris in 2005, Wang Zhongyu, president of the Economic and Social Council of the People's Republic of China, was elected as president of the IAESCSI. Wang is also vice-chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC.

Source: Xinhua