China's top law-maker urged here today that people of all nationalities in the central Asian region of Xinjiang should strengthen ethnic unity and seize emerging new opportunities to strive for faster economic growth.

Li Peng, chairman of the Ninth National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the call when discussing with deputies from Xinjiang the government work report delivered by Premier Zhu Rongji Sunday at the current NPC session.

"Separatism will deter economic development, so the people of all nationalities should take ethnic unity as a first priority," stressed the chairman.

"The new government strategy of developing the country's west in a big way will create new opportunities for Xinjiang," Li said. "With the blessing of favorable times, rich natural resources and ethnic unity, Xinjiang is bound to achieve success in implementing the strategy."

Li stressed in his speech that Xinjiang should continue developing basic industries, strengthening infrastructure facilities and supporting pillar industries of oil, natural gas, cotton and livestock farming.

With its favorable natural conditions and good support from the central government, Xinjiang could take the lead in future economic development by relying on concerted efforts of local people of all nationalities, Li said.