BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao said Sunday more attention should be paid to raising people's living standards while striving for economic growth.

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Hu made the remarks at a symposium with non-Communist parties and individuals to mark the Spring Festival, or the Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb 3 this year.

Hu urged the parties and social groups to pursue the people-first principle and help the government to better serve the people.

"We should always make the improvement of people's lives an important starting point in promoting development in a scientific way and enhancing social harmony," Hu said.

He said the government would focus on the transformation of its economic development pattern, and try to achieve its economic targets this year, which is also the start of the 12th five-year period (2011-2015).

Hu hoped the non-Communist parties and individuals would concentrate on promoting scientific development and put forward practical suggestions for achieving comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Hu said the past 90 years had proved that unison of ideas, targets and actions in the multi-party cooperation system under CPC leadership guaranteed the country to achieve progress in revolution, development and reform.

Hu expressed appreciation for the contributions of non-Communist parties and individuals to social and economic development last year.

"We must rely on all Chinese people, including non-Communist parties, societies, ethnic groups and people from all walks of life and in different strata to achieve this year's goals for economic and social development," said Hu.

At the event, Hu also extended New Year's greetings and best wishes to all people from the non-Communist parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and those without party affiliations.

Non-Communist party leaders at the gathering gave opinions on issues such as multi-party cooperation, rural social security system, water conservation, strategic emerging industries, education and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Straits.

The meeting was chaired by Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Vice President Xi Jinping and Vice Premier Li Keqiang were present at the gathering.