BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday extended Lunar New Year's greetings to all people from non-communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and those without party affiliations.

Hu saluted non-communist parties and personages at a symposium held in Beijing to mark the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 23 this year.

At the event, Hu expressed appreciation for their hard work last year, and he stressed delivering new goals in 2012 as the year will see the Communist Party of China (CPC) host its 18th national congress.

"We must rely on all Chinese people, including those from various democratic parties, societies, ethnic groups and people from all walks of life and in different strata, to achieve this year's goals of reform, development and maintaining social stability," Hu said.

Non-communist parties' leaders at the gathering gave their opinions on various issues, including promoting socialist culture, bolstering the real economy, speeding up the development of the social security system, protecting water resources, and strengthening the fight against corruption, among others.

Hu called upon the non-communist parties and personages to consolidate political common ground with the CPC, which adheres to the socialist political system with Chinese characteristics.

Hu also urged them to offer more suggestions and consultations on major social and economic issues, such as price control, economic restructuring, and improving people's well-being, based on field work studies.

Moreover, Hu called for passing on the "flame" of multi-party cooperation to future generations, drawing on the good traditions inherited from older generations of non-communist parties and personages.

The CPC committees at all levels should support non-communist officials in fulfilling their duties, said Hu.

The meeting was chaired by Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Vice President Xi Jinping and Vice Premier Li Keqiang also attended the symposium.