Vice Premier on Developing Western ChinaThe development of the western part of China should be carried out under the unified plans of the central leadership, while bringing into consideration the local social and economic situation.Vice Premier Li Lanqing made the remark during his inspection tour of Golmud, northwest China's Qinghai Province, on August 27. During his stay, Li visited several local schools. During his talks with local officials, Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, urged the western region to develop science, technology and education sectors. Western China is meeting rare historic opportunities and local governments should take a new road of development compatible to the system of the socialist market economy and the era of knowledge-based economy, said the vice premier, who was deeply impressed by the remarkable changes in Golmud, which has been built into a modern city from a remote small town. Being a communications hub and rich in mineral resources, Golmud should make use of its advantages to turn itself into a major base for the Qaidam Basin, he said. Li urged local governments to give top priority to the development of education and try to improve the teaching conditions of local schools. |
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