BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin said Friday people in the non-public sector of the economy has become a major force in the reform and open-up drive while urging them to make more contribution to growth as the country faces economic hardship.

    In a congratulatory letter to a forum held to mark and review the development of private economy in the last 30 years, Jia said the private sector has made important contributions to the country's economic achievements, innovation capabilities, job creation and the "go global" strategy.

    The chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee called on people in the private sector to respond to the call of the Communist Party of China and unite as one to face the formidable challenge posed by the global financial crisis.

    Privately-owned enterprises should tap the potential of domestic demand while continuing to implement the "go global" strategy and expand international market, Jia said.

    Privately-owned enterprises should also assume their social responsibility to create as many jobs as possible while helping the Chinese economy achieve a sound and fast growth, he added.