BEIJING - China should introduce new concepts and focus on new targets in its economic work next year, according to Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Xi made the remarks at a symposium attended by representatives of non-Communist parties, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and those without party affiliations on Wednesday.

The essential feature of the economy at the present stage is that it is in a transitional period from a phase of rapid growth to a stage of high-quality development, Xi said.

He said from the present through the coming period, high-quality development is the fundamental requirement in determining development ideas, formulating economic policies and implementing macro-control measures.

"Achieving high-quality development is imperative for China to maintain sustainable and healthy development of the economy and society," Xi said.

According to Xi, the year 2018 is the first year in implementing the development blueprint outlined at the 19th CPC National Congress, and also a crucial year in carrying out the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).

"Economic work should implement new concepts, focus on new targets and put into practice new arrangements so as to lay a solid material foundation for the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020," he said.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, historic achievements have been made, historic changes have happened in the party and the state as well as in economic development, providing an important material foundation for historic changes in other fields, Xi said.

The extraordinary economic growth during the past five years proved that the judgements, decisions and adjustments made in economic development by the Central Committee of the CPC were correct.

Members of non-Communist parties, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and those without party affiliations have submitted more than 80 opinions and suggestions during the past year, covering important topics including the Belt and Road Initiative as well as improvement of the real economy.

Xi said he hopes they can also contribute to the goals and tasks set at the 19th CPC National Congress, carry out deep investigations and research, and provide advice to resolve conflicts while also improving themselves.

Premier Li Keqiang also attended the symposium.

Li briefed attendees on economic development this year and introduced the CPC Central Committee's ideas on economic work for 2018.

Some of the representatives of non-Communist parties, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and those without party affiliations delivered speeches at the symposium, saying that they support the decisions and arrangements made by the CPC at its 19th National Congress as well as the CPC Central Committee's ideas on economic work next year.

They also provided their opinions and suggestions on issues including innovation, tax reform, green development and global environmental affairs.