"China's manufacturing industry has entered into a stage that needs transformation and upgrading, and during this process, the design sector plays a leading role," Han Fengqin, manager of the design conglomerate, told Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television.

"So Xi coming here sends a strong signal that (the new leadership) attaches great importance to design and innovation."

Xi Jinping (center), general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, at "The Road Toward Renewal" exhibition in Beijing in November. [Photo/Xinhua]

The campaign against corruption will be a key point in the reform, Wu Hui, associate professor of Party building at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said. He added that the currently unbalanced system of income distribution is also a priority.

"For a long time the reform has been focusing on economic sectors, and in contrast, the political structural reform had been delayed," Ren Jianming, an anti-corruption expert in Beijing, said. "To launch political structural reform will encounter more difficulties and demands greater resolution and stronger will.

"From Xi's remarks and acts, and those of the new leadership as a whole, we can find that the new leaders are more open-minded and confident. They have been fully aware of the challenges and opportunities in front of them and the country, and they know their missions."

Contact the writers at zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn