BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a symposium in Beijing on Thursday to solicit opinions and proposals from non-CPC personalities on the country's economic development.

    Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a report on the economic situation in the first half of 2007 and introduced plans for the second half.

    People from other political parties, industry and commerce federations, and those without party affiliation made comments on the economic performance in the first half of this year.

    They gave their opinions on subjects ranging advice from strengthening macro-control and promoting agricultural development to improving social security and cutting energy consumption.

    After hearing their remarks, President Hu Jintao said their proposals were insightful and helpful for the CPC to work out its economic plans.

    He said the national economy had been running well in general and thanked those who made contributions to the country's economic progress.

    Hu emphasized the importance of keeping a sober mind on the ever-changing domestic and international economic environment and called for continual efforts in handling issues such as excessive liquidity and overcapacity.

    "The government at all levels should strive to better control the economic growth and prevent the economy from overheating," he said.

    Agricultural productivity, especially grain output, should be increased and the development of agricultural infrastructure should be accelerated, the president said.

    Hu called for speeding up the move to reduce emissions and energy consumption and improve people's lives by tackling problems with which people are mostly concerned, such as education, employment, medical treatment, housing, labor rights and work safety.

    Concerned authorities should go all out to fight flood and help people in the flood-stricken areas to restore production and rebuild their homes, he said.

    Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Vice President Zeng Qinghong were present at the symposium.