President Jiang Zemin said in Beijing on January 19 that leading officials at all levels should fully understand the importance and the impact of China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Jiang made the remark to more than 100 high-ranking central government officials and provincial leaders attending a week-long seminar on finance and revenue which ended here today.

China's efforts to enter the WTO, which has lasted for 13 years, means the country wants to participate more fully in international competition, Jiang said.

"Today's world is an open world," Jiang said. "It has been proved in China and other countries that any attempt to develop a national economy will fail without opening to the rest of the world."

Jiang stressed that China must continue to open its markets wider to the rest of the world, and fully utilize overseas capital, technology, resources, and advanced management skills to further develop its economy and society.

Jiang told the officials that it is necessary for China to fully enter into international competition to become stronger, as economic globalization is accelerating and the world's technology changing day by day.

"Our country's economy has been greatly improved and we are quite experienced after 20 years of economic reform and opening tothe outside world," Jiang said. "China is fully capable of participating in global competition."

Jiang asked the officials to fully understand what it means for China to gain WTO entry, saying they should seize the opportunity, work hard, and boost their confidence for the upcoming international competition.

In addition, the president asked the officials to study , and become familiar with international regulations regarding trade and economic cooperation, and use these regulations to serve the country's modernization drive. (Xinhua)