China to answer key questions at March meetings (2)

-- ENTREPRENEURSHIP, INNOVATION

China is taking steps to mobilize all elements of its 1.3 billion population and more than 70 million enterprises to play an active role in development, through power growth and job generation.

The number of newly founded companies in China surged almost 46 percent year on year to 3.65 million in 2014.

Lawmakers and political advisors are expected to discuss policy support, such as simplified procedures, subsidies and financing aids, to promote innovation in businesses.

-- JUDICIAL JUSTICE

The CPC set the blueprint for the "comprehensive advancement of the rule of law" in October last year.

Hailing justice as the "lifeline" of rule of law, China is improving its judicial system and supervision.

While measures such as the establishment of circuit courts, to help the public file cases at the local level without interference from local governments, more details concerning judicial reforms are expected in work reports to be delivered by the presidents of the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

-- LOCAL LAWMAKING POWERS

The meetings in March will also review the draft amendment to the Legislation Law, which will allow local governments to issue temporary urgent regulations, clarify local legislation and will grant lawmaking powers to more cities.

-- WAR AGAINST POLLUTION

Having declared a "war on pollution", China has strengthened its Environment Law, which will see it mete out heavier punishment and input more resources into protection measures.

Environment issues will carry more weight when evaluating the performance of local governments and officials.

However, the question remains: How well will these promises be fulfilled?

Deputies at the meetings are expected to urge more efforts to translate determination to progress.

-- SILK ROAD INITIATIVES

China's Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives aim to improve cooperation with countries across Asia, Europe and Africa.

However, many western commentators are drawing parallels between the initiatives and the Marshall Plan, indicating that China would use the projects to seek influence in Asia as the United States did in post-World War II Europe.

Discussions by delegates will help the West better understand China's intentions and what impact the projects will have on the world.

OPENING-UP, FOREIGN POLICIES

Based on the experience of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, further facilitation of market access for inbound foreign investment is expected. In addition, continued opening-up of the financial, education, cultural, medical, pension and other service sectors is on the cards: More encouraging signals for foreign investors.

Several press conferences will be held during the sessions so officials can elaborate on the country's foreign policies.