Hu Stresses Economic, Public Health Sector Development

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, July 22, 2003

Hu Stresses Economic, Public Health Sector Development

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The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) on Monday called for more strenuous efforts to maintain fast economic growth and improve the public health sector in the country.

The call was made at a meeting of the Political Bureau, which was presided over by General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao.

During the meeting, it was reported that China had exceeded expectations in terms of economic performance in the first half of the year, despite the negative impact of the war in Iraq and SARS in parts of the country.

However, rational policies must be maintained and more efficient measures taken as the country continues to experience problems that hinder economic and social development, including the delayed effect of SARS on the economy and the difficulties faced by farmers in increasing their incomes, the meeting noted.

Priority should be given to adjusting the economic structure, improving economic efficiency, creating more job opportunities and increasing farmers' incomes, said the meeting.

Efforts will also have to be taken to expand economic cooperation and technological exchanges with foreign countries, while deepening economic reforms in the country.

The outbreak of SARS in parts of the country is an indication of weaknesses in the country's public health sector, the meeting noted.

The meeting urged CPC committees and governments at all levels to attach great importance to the prevention of SARS to avoid future outbreaks.

The meeting also called for more government spending on the public health sector, the improvement of public health work in rural areas and an improved capacity to deal with the epidemic in a comprehensive manner.

In another development, the CPC Central Committee has convened leaders from non-communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and non-party personages to solicit their advice and proposals on the country's economic work and on the improvement of the public health system.

Hu Jintao presided over the meeting and stressed the importance of democratic consultation for the improvement of the socialist political system and for the enhancement of leaders' governing abilities.

The victory over SARS did not come easily, but the experience gained is invaluable, said Hu, adding that it is crucial to move forward with a responsible attitude and to make continuing efforts to contain and prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.

He also urged members of the non-communist parties to undertake more research work and to offer more pertinent and profound proposals for the country's development, guided by the important thoughts of the "Three Represents" and the principles adopted at the 16th CPC People's Congress.

During the meeting, Premier Wen Jiabao delivered reports on the country's fight against SARS, the nation's economic performance during the first half of the year, and the State Council's proposals for economic work and efforts to improve public health during the second half of the year.

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