We begin in Beijing, where Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a panel discussion with National People's Congress deputies from Shandong - a province with both wealthy coastal cities and vast under-developed rural areas. During the meeting, President Xi re-emphasized the importance of revitalizing rural areas in order to build a moderately-prosperous society. He also didn't forget what day it was. RORY COEN has more.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "Today is the International Women's Day. Women across China have made significant contributions to the development of the CPC, the nation, as well as their families. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, I want to send greetings and wishes to all the women members and deputies, female staff servicing the Two Sessions, and all women nationwide."

The discussion focused on topics such as technology, innovation and employment. He praised Shandong's progress since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012 and reiterated that last October's 19th National Congress called for more efforts to be made in rural vitalization. He urged the deputies to work harder to build a moderately-prosperous society across Shandong.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "Our work should not only limit the things which can bring us fame, but also bring real benefit to people. We should not only focus on the work which brings immediate effects, but also what paves the way for the future. We are in pursuit of public praise and fair judgement of history."

President Xi said rural development was a priority for the government, and this could only be achieved by attracting skilled labor to these regions.

He added that infrastructure construction needed to be swifter, but the environment shouldn't be compromised to meet this end.

Revitalizing grassroots party organizations in rural areas was another point the president touched upon. He said they should have strong leadership and a talented membership.

With Shandong one of China's coastal provinces, the president said the country also needed more world-class ports. RORY COEN, CGTN.