Chinese president calls for reform, innovation

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for more reform and innovation on Monday as the country prepares to enter its 13th Five-Year Plan period.

"Reform and development have achieved a high degree of integration. Further development needs to be based on reforms while progress in reforms gives a strong impetus for development," Xi said.

The spirit of reform and innovation must be strengthened and the country's governance system should be modernised, the president said.

Last week, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee announced a comprehensive proposal for the country's development over the next five years starting in 2016, Xinhua news agency reported.

Innovation was urged in processing trade so that China can gain a new edge in international competition while maintaining its traditional advantages. Consistency in government policy is needed to help processing trade develop and move up the global value chain.

In a comprehensive proposal for formulating the plan, five development ideas are being mainly focussed -- innovation, coordination, green development, opening up and sharing.