On November 18, 2003, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing to consult leaders of non-communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and people with no party affiliation on major issues regarding economic and social development.

Chinese President and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao presided over the meeting, saying that building a well-off society in an all-round way and bringing about a great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation need wisdom and efforts from not only the CPC but also non-communist parties and people with no party affiliation.

Such discussion with non-communist figures is an important part of China's multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of CPC and a major effort to build a scientific and democratic decision-making mechanism, he said.