The Party committees and governments at all levels should pay greater attention to the work of poverty relief and do a good job to this end.
Vice President Hu Jintao made the remarks during his inspection tour in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province from February 11 to 14, during the Spring Festival, the traditional Chinese family reunion holidays.
Hu's tour coincided with the province's coldest season of the year. When visiting an old ex-service man, Hu urged local officials to show more care to the needy and do more practical work for them.
Learning a jobless He Yanli could make her own living independently, Hu asked local officials to create more job opportunities for the laid-offs.
Some areas in the provinces suffered natural disasters for a few consecutive years. Hu went to the rural areas and talked with local villagers, asking about their Spring Festival dinner.
Hu urged local cadres to improve their administrative skills and help the masses overcome all possible difficulties.
On February 12 when the festival began, Hu toured the provincial capital of Harbin and visited a local telecommunications building and a police station.
Hu also attended a local gala to celebrate the festival.