Chinese vice premier Zeng Peiyan called for better protection of environment in the development of hydropower projects in Beijing on Thursday.

The vice premier made the remarks at a signing ceremony for developing hydropower projects in the Jinshajiang River in south China's Yunnan Province.

During his meeting with representatives of the related energy and hydropower development companies, Zeng urged them to give top priority to the environment protection and combine hydropower development with the overall economic development.

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2005)