The Press Center for the 4th plenary sessions of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC) and the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) officially opens today, March 1.

The Press Center (Tel: 0086-10-6618 4455) is located at the Xizhimen Hotel, No.172 Xizhimennei Street, Beijing.

Nearly 2,000 domestic and foreign journalists have applied for accreditation to cover the two meetings. The Press Center will provide meeting schedules, related documents, materials and will coordinate interviews.

China.org.cn and Xinhua Online have set up Online Service Counters at the center. In addition, China.org.cn has set up terminals in each of the reception halls. The terminals are also equipped with printing devices. China.org.cn staff will also be on hand to provide assistance.

More information about the sessions can be found on its special feature website: www.lianghui.org.cn/www.10thnpc.org.cn.

A dedicated 4th Session of the 10th NPC website has also been launched. It provides news releases, meeting schedules, news conference schedules, and contact information.

(China.org.cn, Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2006)