The 11th National People's Congress (NPC) of China started its first session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Premier Wen Jiabao is delivering a report on the work of the government at the opening meeting, which was presided over by NPC Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo.

A total of 2,970 lawmakers are present at the opening meeting, along with top leaders Hu Jintao, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang.

(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2008)