Chinese vice premier underlines livelihood restoration in quake regions

"Housing construction can not only help quake-affected people restore life as soon as possible, but is also helpful to boost investment, consumption and economic growth," he said.

Villager Zhao Danlin (2nd L, front) displays his  relief coupon to Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang  (L, front) in the Longtou Village of Longnan City,  in northwest China's Gansu Province, on Jan. 16, 2009.  (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

He also called for quicker restoration of public facilities, which would serve the economic and social development in the quake-hit regions.

During his visit in Longfeng Village, Li talked with some farmers who had returned because of employment difficulty in cities.

There were lots of job opportunities in the country, he said. "You can go to the interior region if it is hard to find a job in the coastal area; you can shift to work in the service sector as job opportunities are limited in the industrial sector; you can also start your own business at your hometown without going outside."

Li urged governments and departments concerned to provide more training and guidance to help rural workers get a job and guarantee a stable increase in employment.

Editor:Liu Anqi