A senior Chinese official yesterday said an ongoing campaign to educate Communist Party of China (CPC) cadres on "scientific development" should provide the impetus for the country to cope with current economic difficulties.

Li Yuanchao, head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, said this was desirable because the ultimate goal of the campaign was that China achieve sustainable, broad-based development under the leadership of the CPC.

Li made the remarks at a meeting, at which a group of inspectors sent by the CPC Central Committee reported how Party members and officials nationwide had studied and implemented the Scientific Outlook on Development.

The Scientific Outlook on Development represents important guiding principles for China's economic and social development. It was initiated by the CPC in 2003 and written into the CPC's constitution during the 17th National Congress of the Party in 2007.

The principles emphasize a people-first approach, while requiring comprehensive and sustainable development with a dual emphasis on speed and quality.

In September, the CPC launched an 18-month educational campaign, asking all Party cadres and officials to study the principles while applying them in their own work.

Li said China was facing a severe challenge as the global financial crisis continued to exert a negative impact on the economy.

The government has launched policies to cope with a possible economic downturn, such as those boosting market demand, stabilizing financial systems, improving public welfare and maintaining social stability.

Li urged CPC cadres to take the lead and work harder for optimal implementation of the policies.