Premier Li Keqiang heard advice from representatives from all walks of life regarding the draft of government work report at a symposium on Jan 31.
The nine representatives, from education, technology, culture, health and sports circles as well as the grassroots, voiced their opinions toward the new changes in their own trades.
Premier Li made in-depth exchanges with these guests and extended his blessings for Spring Festival. He said the government is open to public opinions in order to better resolve the issues that most concern the people.
Dou Xiankang, president of Wuhan University, suggested the government pay great attention to the role of talent in building an innovation-driven nation, and increase support for building high-level universities in central and western regions.
Shi Yigong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and dean of the Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, proposed that governments should give support to the development of high-quality private higher education.
“High-quality economic growth needs a lot of talent, so governments of all levels should pursue balanced development of education, creating a fair environment to offer more autonomy to schools for developing private education,” Premier Li responded.
Fan Jinshi, honorary president of the Dunhuang Academy, suggested that the government strengthen protection and utilization of cultural heritage to improve the international influence of Chinese traditional culture. Huang Bo, a famous actor, hoped for more government guidance and support for the film and television industry. To their suggestions, Premier Li said technologies will be used to better protect traditional cultural heritage, especially those listed as world heritage. And he called for producing more cultural products with high aesthetics and quality that meet the needs of the times.