The annual plenary meeting of the CPPCC, China's top advisory body, opened in Beijing on March 3 afternoon. The NPC session will commence on March 5.

The CPPCC has approx 2200 delegates. The NPC's 2980 Deputies, who have gathered in Beijing, will attend the 10 day session in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

It is anticipated the NPC will revise the economic growth rate target downward to between 6 and 6.5 per cent. Two draft laws are also pending approval namely (i) Draft Law protecting Intellectual Property of foreign investors, and (ii) a Law banning forced technology transfers.