Chinese Vice-Premier Huang Ju has called on the country to promote sustainable economic and social development during his Sept. 23-25 inspection tour of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, northwest China.

Huang said western China should, in line with the instructions and arrangements by the central

authorities, increase their investment in agriculture, forestry, water conservancy, science and technology, education, medicine, health and ecological environment. Investment in communications, energy and other infrastructure projects will improve the conditions for economic and social development.

After hearing a report by Ningxia regional authorities, the vice-premier said the western part of the country should give full play to their rich agricultural, livestock and energy resources. Also, Ningxia should continue to increase grain output and become one of the important centers for energy and chemical industry in west China.

He urged the autonomous region to continue its efforts to improve the environment by allowing land not suitable for farming to

return to woodland or grassland. Also, the region should make better and rational use of its natural resources, such as water, farmland, and mineral resources.

Source: Xinhua