BEIJING -- China's political advisory body needs to make due contributions to help boost reform and development this year, when the 18th national congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) will be held, an editorial in the People's Daily says.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) should fully carry out its functions of political consultation, democratic supervision and participation in the discussion and management of state affairs, says the editorial to be published Saturday by the flagship newspaper of the CPC Central Committee.

The CPPCC and its members should have full faith and exert concerted efforts in deepening reform and pushing forward modernization drive in 2012, as this year will be crucial in carrying out the country's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), it says.

The CPC will hold its 18th national congress in late 2012, which is a significant event in the political life of the CPC and the Chinese people, the editorial says.

The editorial hails the CPPCC for its contributions over the past year in achieving a satisfactory start for the 12th Five-Year Plan amid complex domestic and international situations.

The annual session of the CPPCC National Committee will open Saturday afternoon.