The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's advisory body, has made significant contributions to the fight against the global economic downturn, the People's Daily says in an editorial to be published Wednesday.

The editorial marks the opening of the third Session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing Wednesday.

The paper considered the session an important one for social and economic work in 2010. The session was of far-reaching importance for overcoming the economic downturn and maintaining stable and relatively fast economic growth, according to the paper, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The editorial said the past year was eventful in the development of the Party and the nation, and China had increased its comprehensive strength and international influence in spite of the downturn.

"The fight against the downturn has been a test not only for the governance of the CPC and the government, but also for the role of the CPPCC," it said.

The paper called the key in 2010 was to maintain steady and relatively fast economic growth and the development of the CPPCC itself.

It called on the political advisors to give full scope to its strengths and make new achievements in promoting social harmony, peaceful reunification and international exchanges.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2010)