Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Friday called on people to learn from Hou Xianglin after attending a meeting commending the 93-year-old petrochemical scientist's outstanding deeds in Beijing.

Wen, presented as a common listener sitting among audiences, sang high praise for Hou's deeds and lofty spirit after the presentations made by Hou's friends and colleagues.

The Premier called for people to follow Hou's example as a way to promote China's scientific development for the buildup of a moderately prosperous harmonious society.

Hou Xianglin, born in Shantou, Guangdong Province in south China, is a Chemist and the academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Hou is the organizer and founder of scientific institutions in petroleum industry and also in charge of its planning and management.

Hou and his coworkers solved many key problems in oil industry to promote the development of China's oil refining and achieved China's self-sufficient supply of the main oil products. He dedicated himself to the development of the national economy and national defense.

"Hou is an ordinary person who has made extraordinary achievements, his spirit worth our learning," Wen said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 17, 2005)