The Fifth Plenary session of the 17th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has mapped out the country's development agenda for the next five years at a plenary session in Beijing. Among the key points was a pledge to improve living standards across the country.

Cao Jun is an express delivery man.

He receives 0.30 yuan for each piece delivered, that's about 5 cents in US currency.

But, even for such a low-paying job, competition is fierce.

Cao said, "Competition is very tough in this field. You can't look at how much you gain from every single delivery."

During China's 11th five-year-plan period, China's GDP growth topped the world at about 10 percent.

But, as China's economy continues to develop, so is the income gap between the rich and poor.

The difference has increased dramatically since 2000.

This has caught the attention of a number of media organizations.

The Associated Press reported that the 12th Five-Year Plan, set to begin in 2011, is a crucial stage for building a moderately prosperous society.

It said the meeting discussed and approved parts of an economic blueprint that aims to narrow the gap between rich and poor.

AFP focussed on the way the Communist Party of China plans to handle the problem at the economic front.

It said China is aiming to maintain stable and relatively fast economic growth by establishing a long-term mechanism to expand consumption.

Itar-Tass says the announcement from the fifth plenary session demonstrates China's determination to achieve breakthroughs in economic reform and development maintenance.

The Russian news agency said the Party's leadership is the fundamental guarantee for achieving the goals of economic and social development during the 12th Five-Year Plan period.

On its website, the Financial Times published an report titled "Beijing poised to set tough energy goals."

It said the party has set a number of goals in areas such as maintaining economic development, increasing individual income, enhancing energy efficiency and cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.

"12th Five-Year Plan period is a crucial stage for building a moderately prosperous society."

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