Talents Essential for West DevelopmentChinese vice premier Li Lanqing has stressed the importance of science, technology and education reforms in developing western China.Li, also a member of the standing committee of the Chinese Communist Party central committee, made these remarks during his four-day inspection tour of Chongqing, the largest industrial city in west China. Li said further educational reforms are needed to produce all kinds of professionals for the ongoing massive development in China's west. Structural reforms in science and technology industry should be deepened so that science and technology can play a vital role in developing China's western regions. During his discussions with presidents and directors of universities and research institutions in the city, Li said measures should be taken to foster talented personnel. It is of great importance for the improvement of educational and the realization of developing goals in western development that nine-year compulsory education is made available to all the school-age children, and illiteracy among youths and adults is eradicated, Li said. The central government and local governments should continue to support education in the west. Schools in eastern China should help schools in poverty-stricken areas to improve working conditions and the quality of teaching. Li also talked about the importance of promoting Medicare reforms. Among those accompanying the vice-premier during his visit were Education Minister Chen Zhili and Science and Technology Minister Zhu Lilan. |
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