Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan has urged central China to stick to the "scientific concept of development," the central government's strategy to boost the area' s economy.

Zeng made this remark in his inspection tour in China's Jiangxi Province during the week-long May Day holiday.

Zeng stressed that Jiangxi, a major grain production base in the country, should further promote urbanization and transfer the rural laborers to cities.

He required local authorities to strengthen the infrastructure by building water supply and power plants, roads, schools, hospitals and cultural centers in rural areas.

He spoke highly of Jiangxi's efforts to protect the ecology and environment, saying it helps pave the way for sustainable development.

"Jiangxi should learn lessons from the developed countries and China's coastal areas to explore a new development route at a lower cost of resources and with less pollution," Zeng said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2005)