Premier Zhu Calls for Fulfilling Tasks for 2001

Zhu Rongji Visits Chongqing

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Premier Zhu Rongji has called for efforts to fulfill all tasks set for 2001, in order to ensure a good beginning for the implementation of the Tenth Five-year Plan (2001-2005) and make a solid first step towards China's modernization in the new century.

Zhu made the call during an inspection tour in Chongqing Municipality, southwest China, on January 4-8. During his stay, the premier studied issues concerning rural economy, reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and social security.

Zhu said fulfillment of the tasks calls for an enterprising spirit and down-to-earth work style.

The strengthening of agriculture and increase of farmers' incomes are the top priorities of this year's economic work, the premier said. Other priorities include deepening the SOE reform, perfecting the social security system, continuing with the pro-active fiscal policy, and standardizing and rectifying the market order.

China will push ahead reforms of its grain marketing mechanism, rural fee to taxes, and rural finance, Zhu said.

Zhu pledged to further deepen SOE reforms and improve the social security system, urging to consolidate the progress made in pulling most of China's large- and medium-sized SOEs out of difficulties. China has basically achieved its SOE reform goals toturn most loss-making large SOEs into profit within three years.

Pension-holders from state-owned enterprises must be paid timely and completely, while efforts should be made to ensure the basic life of the unemployed and poor families in cities, he said.

The premier encouraged the laid-off workers from state-owned enterprises to find jobs in labor markets.

On the issue of resettling local people affected by the massive Three Gorges Dam Project, Zhu pledged increased openness and transparency and crackdown on corruption cases involving the project.

Chongqing should take the opportunity of the government-advocated strategy to develop China's underdeveloped western areas and utilize its economic role as a major city in the southwest, the premier said.