Premier Zhu Rongji March 7 participated in group discussions on the government work report he delivered Sunday with Gansu, Fujian, Heilongjiang and Ningxia deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC).

During group discussions with deputies from Gansu and Ningxia, both in northwest China, the premier talked about the strategy to develop the country's west, saying the strategy, which has been made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) , has drawn nationwide support and worldwide attention.

He urged people in the west to seize the rare historic opportunity and be fully prepared, ideologically, organizationally and in action for the strategy's implementation. He also called for a good handling of ethnic minorities-related affairs, saying that it is an important premise and guarantee for a smooth implementation of the strategy.

When he was with deputies from Fujian and Heilongjiang, Zhu, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, dwelt on broadening the implementation of the open policy.

"Along with an acceleration of the pace of China's accession to the World Trade Organization, the country's open policy implementation is faced with a new situation, new opportunities and new challenges," he said. "We should seize opportunities and open wider to the outside world with greater courage and more vigorous measures so as to enhance the international competitiveness of the Chinese ecnomy and improve its resistance against risks."

He called for continued crackdowns on economic crimes such as smuggling and for greater efforts to foster a high ethical standard among the people.