Chinese vice premier urges efforts to develop western regions

　　Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) talks with villagers of Hongju Village, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Aug. 24, 2009. Li Keqiang inspected Qinghai Province from Aug. 23 to Aug. 25. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

　　XI'NING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday called for more efforts to promote development of the country's western regions during a visit to northwest China's Qinghai Province.

　　More efforts should be made to tap the advantages of local industries and adjust the economic structure, Li said during a visit that started Sunday and included factory workshops, farms and rural households.

　　In Qinghai Arura (Jinhe) Tibetan Medicine Company Limited, Li saw the company's efforts to process local agricultural products.

　　He visted Yiwa Ethnic Clothes Manufacturing Plant and Xining Special Steel Company Limited and urged them to improve technologies and meet market demand.

　　"The western regions have huge market demand and growth potential. It is important to carry on the policy to develop western regions and support ethnic regions to promote regional economic and social development," Li said.

　　Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (C) visits villagers of Xiaozhuang Village, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Aug. 24, 2009.(Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

　　At Qinghai Salt Lake Industry Group Company Limited, Li said technological innovation was needed to tap resources in western regions as well as infrastructure construction and environmental protection.

　　Li urged local governments in Haidong, eastern Qinghai, to fully implement the country's policies to promote agricultural growth in ethnic and rural regions and increase peasants' income.

　　Li talked with villagers of different ethnic groups in a village in Haidong and urged local officials to help improve living standards and care for the disadvantaged.