The transformation of government functions has not yet reached where it should be. In government work there are places where we fall short. Some reform measures and policies have not been fully implemented. Some officials are weak on awareness that they are there to serve and must uphold the rule of law, and some lack commitment to their work and willingness to bear the weight of responsibility. Bureaucratism and the practice of formalities for formalities' sake exist to varying degrees. There are many complaints from the people and the business sector about the difficulty of accessing government services and the excessive array of charges. In some sectors misconduct and corruption are still a common problem.
With a deep sense of responsibility to our country and people, with courage in the face of adversity, and with determination that won't be broken, we must give our work everything we've got, to make sure that the people's government does not let the people down.
I now wish to address the overall requirements and policy direction for economic and social development in 2018.
This year will kick off our efforts to put all the guiding principles from the Party's 19th National Congress into action. It is the 40th anniversary of reform and opening up, and it is a crucial year for securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and for continuing to implement the 13th Five-Year Plan.
To accomplish the government's work for the year, we must, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, do the following:
- follow the guidance of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era;
- implement fully all the guiding principles from the Party's 19th National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 19th Party Central Committee;
- act on the Party's basic theory, line, and policy;
- adhere to and strengthen Party leadership in all of our work;
- remain committed to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability and to the new development philosophy;
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