Economic reform is gradual process

The 18th CPC National Congress comes at a critical time for China's development and reform. With the debut of the new leaders, a key question is: what changes will they bring to China's economic development in the next decade for building a moderately prosperous society?

New Party leader Xi Jinping led the line-up at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, followed by Li Keqiang, and five newly-elected members of the Standing Committee of the 18th CPC Central Committee Political Bureau.

Experts say the work experience of Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang suggests that they are well qualified to address some of the biggest challenges facing China.

Professor Zhang Weiwei from Fudan University says the new leadership is likely to take a cautious approach in advancing reforms, and push ahead with what has been called the "China Model" in development, with emphasis on stability.

Analysts believe the target to double GDP and people's income by 2020 can be achieved. They say the biggest challenge is to improve the quality of growth, and make economic growth more balanced and sustainable.