The Third Plenary Session of the Fifth Congress of the China Economic and Social Council (CESC) opened in Beijing on July 30.

The meeting reviewed the CESC's development since its founding two decades ago and the work it has done since its second session last year, outlined priorities for the year ahead, and exchanged ideas on a broad range of topics focusing on promoting the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and building of a new development paradigm. 

Zhang Qingli, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the meeting and delivered a speech. 

Zhang, also chairman of the CESC, said the organization should align its work with the country's efforts to foster a new development paradigm, carry out in-depth studies on core topics, and offer valuable and insightful suggestions. 

The CESC should also play an active role in facilitating foreign exchanges, strengthen efforts to expand networking, and make its work more scientific, Zhang said. 

Meeting participants also attended a lecture on the enforcement of a law for the promotion of rural vitalization given by Chen Xiwen, chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress.