State Councilor Wang Zhongyu said on December 23 that "improving China's talent structure should be regarded as a strategic task by governments at all levels" to ensure sustained, rapid and healthy development of the national economy.

Wang Zhongyu made the remark at the opening ceremony of a national conference on personnel work, attended by heads of personnel departments across the country.

He said that in response to the central government's determination to improve talent structure beginning next year, personnel departments nationwide should begin the work immediately.

Wang said that at a time when the central government has pledged to develop and make more prosperous the sparsely populated but resource-rich regions of western China, localities should take full advantage of this golden opportunity and improve their talent structure.

He pointed out that the structural reform of local government organs is of great importance to local Party committees and governments, adding that local governments should seize the opportunity to discover and foster new talent and improve their working style and efficiency.

Wang stressed that local governments should adjust the structure of public servants with respect to age, profession, and ability.

The state councilor also called on those working in personnel departments to improve their political and professional capabilities to better serve the people.