Aerial photo taken on June 21, 2018 shows morning view of the Lujiazui area in Pudong of Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Ren Long)

BEIJING, July 30  -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday presided over and addressed a symposium for soliciting opinions and suggestions on the current economic situation and economic work in the second half of the year from non-CPC personages.

Xi underscored the correct understanding of the current economic situation and in-depth research, calling for greater efforts to comprehensively deepen reform, and actively tackle various difficulties in development and risks, challenges and enormous pressure in various sectors.

Such efforts are meant to build a broad consensus, pool powerful strength to advance reform and development, and overcome various risks and challenges, he said.

"We have strong determination, firm will and solid national strength to deal with these challenges. We have sufficient confidence, ability and wisdom to overcome all kinds of risks and tests. No country or individual can stop the historical pace of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Xi said.

The symposium was attended by Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Wang Huning and Han Zheng, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Li reviewed China's economic work in the first half of the year and introduced the CPC Central Committee's considerations for economic work in the second half of the year.

Heads of the central committees of eight non-Communist parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, as well as a representative of personages without party affiliations, made their respective speeches, agreeing with the CPC Central Committee's analysis of the current economic situation and considerations for economic work in the second half of the year.