Adieu, but not farewell.

There was thunderous applause as the curtains closed on Friday on the fifth session of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC) and the landslide approval vote rate for the reports and laws.

While wandering through throngs of deputies who posed for pictures in the hall, I could see their relief and joy that it was all over, for another year.

Indeed, during the past 11 days, these deputies, representing some 1.3 billion people, put a lot of ideas on the table some of which will have a resounding impact on China's social and economic development.

And never before have social issues been given some much priority.

Issues such as soaring real estate prices in cities, high and often appalling medical fees, poor food safety, made headlines.

Not surprisingly, ministers of health and construction were the most sought after officials during panel discussion intervals.

Trying in vain to shrug off reporters clustered around, Gao Qiang, health minister said: "I am here to learn; you should ask the deputies, they have more to say."

It's true.

These deputies, from all walks of lives, often are experts in their own field.

Their motions are usually based on research and years of experience and observation.

Chen Zhizhou, an NPC deputy and surgeon proposed a law to help resolve doctor-patient disputes.

Yuan Longping, a member of the CPPCC Standing Committee and renowned agricultural expert, proposed raising the price of grain set by the government, to help farmers' bottom line.

Deng Yaping, a CPPCC member and famed former pingpong champion, proposed dropping the "medal first" media hype in the upcoming Beijing Olympics and make it a priority to promote China's image to the world.

Yuan Jinghua, an NPC deputy proposed a new deputy category specifically for entrepreneurs, to allow more representation for those from rural communities.

There were many suggestions, too many to mention. But I'm sure a large portion of them will be a catalyst for positive change.

(China Daily 03/17/2007 page3)