BEIJING -- The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) convened a symposium earlier this month to listen to the suggestions of leading members of non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and representatives of personages without party affiliation over the current economic situation and the economic work in the latter half of the year.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the symposium held on July 17 and delivered an important speech emphasizing that the country must capitalize on the advantages of the system of CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultation.

"It is necessary for [non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and personages without party affiliation] to serve as good advisers, helpers, and colleagues of the CPC, advance scientific, democratic, and law-based decision-making, push for the modernization of China's system and capacity for governance, and make joint efforts in properly handling the affairs of China," Xi said.

The meeting was also attended by Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, and Han Zheng, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Li introduced China's economic work in the first half of the year and the CPC Central Committee's considerations for economic work in the latter half.

In his speech to the meeting, Xi noted that both China and the world have undergone profound and complex changes since the beginning of this year.

"The CPC Central Committee has reviewed the trends, charted the course, and devised master plans accordingly," he said.

In implementing the decisions and plans made by the CPC Central Committee, all regions and all government departments have upheld the underlying principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, remained committed to the new development philosophy, and met the requirements of high-quality development, he said.

The supply-side structural reform has made further headway, and faster strides have been taken on the front of reform and opening-up, as well as winning the "three tough battles," Xi added.

"[Therefore] China's economy has made new progress this year," he noted.

Xi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and people representing personages without party affiliation on behalf of the CPC Central Committee for their opinions and suggestions on issues of major importance including high-quality development, rural revitalization, and coordinated regional development.

He said they had fully affirmed the achievements of the economic work in the first six months and the CPC Central Committee will take their opinions seriously.

In the latter half, China should uphold the underlying principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability to seek progress in aspects including reform and opening-up and economic restructuring on the basis of maintaining overall economic and social stability, Xi said.

China must coordinate efforts and policies to stabilize employment, finance, foreign trade, foreign investment, investment, and expectations, Xi said.

The country should also ensure people's livelihoods and social security, coordinate the work of economic and social development, and maintain steady and healthy economic growth, Xi added.

Xi hoped that all related parties would understand the current economic situation correctly, stay confident and resolved, and build a broader consensus.

"I hope you will unite even closer around the CPC Central Committee to unswervingly advance the great cause of the socialism with Chinese characteristics," he said.

He also hoped that all related parties focus on the target set at the 19th National Congress of the CPC and contribute ideas and efforts to push for high-quality development.

Thorough research should be made on major issues such as key strategies set out at the 19th National Congress of the CPC, major social conflicts, implementation of important strategies, how to win the "three battles," cracking "hard nuts" in implementing comprehensive reforms, how to advance innovation, and issues concerning people's interests, he said.

"Valuable advice should come out of grassroots surveys," Xi said.

Xi said it is important to correctly understand current topical issues so as to build a sound environment for economic and social development, and it is necessary for related parties to strengthen communications and guidance with the public so as to make them objectively understand the current situation.

"We are capable of overcoming all kinds of risks and challenges with the strong leadership of CPC Central Committee and the concerted efforts of the Chinese people, the solid foundation and rich experience accumulated in the 40 years of reform and opening-up, China's vast domestic market and resilient economy as well as its potential and leeway," Xi said.