Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao set tasks for rejuvenating northeast China and other old
industrial bases at a meeting held in Shenyang Monday.
The areas "should continue to prevent over-investment,
strengthen adjustment of economic operation, ease the tension
caused by the short supply of coal, electricity, oil and transport
capacity, and properly handle newly emerged issues," Wen told the
symposium on rejuvenating northeast China and other old industrial
bases held in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning
Province.
He said the macro-control policy of the state must be carried
out continuously, and that macro-control has provided good
opportunities for the rejuvenation of northeast China.
Wen said northeast China should pay special attention to
agriculture and strengthen its strategic role as China's commodity
grain base. It should also develop modern, high-efficiency farming
to increase the income of farmers.
He asked northeast China and other old industrial bases to
vigorously push forward the upgrading of industrial structure,
speed up reform of state-owned enterprises and further open up to
the outside world.
"Equipment manufacture, new and high-tech industry, basic
industries, infrastructure construction and tertiary industry
should receive a boost," said Wen.
He asked these areas to coordinate "the harmonious development
of man and nature" and to pursue the path of sustainable
development.
"Policies on solving urgent issues, including the bankruptcy of
depleted mines, the arrangement of workers of bankrupt mines and
the relocation of residents from cave-in areas, have priority and
should be specifically implemented," he said.
Wen also urged strengthening education, improving the use of
human talent and solving issues pertaining to "the vital interests
of the masses."
The rejuvenation of northeast China has made a good start, he
said, but there are still many difficulties and problems ahead. "We
should prepare for long-term struggle," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2004)