Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao set tasks for rejuvenating northeast China and other old industrial bases Monday.

The areas "should prevent over-investment, continue to strengthen the adjustment of its economic operation, ease the tension caused by the short supply of coal, electricity, oil and transport capacity, and properly handle new issues," Wen told the symposium on rejuvenating northeast China and other old industrial bases held in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

He said the macro-control policy of the State must be carried out continuously, and that macro-control has provided good opportunities for the rejuvenation of northeast China.

Wen said northeast China should pay special attention to agriculture and strengthen its strategic role as China's commodity grain base. It should also develop modern, high-efficiency farming to increase the income of farmers.

He asked northeast China and other old industrial bases to vigorously push forward the upgrading of industrial structure, speed up reform of state-owned enterprises and open up more to other countries.

"Equipment manufacture, new and high-tech industry, basic industries, infrastructure construction and tertiary industry should receive a boost," said Wen.

He asked these areas to coordinate "the harmonious development of man and nature" and to pursue sustainable development.

"Policies on solving urgent issues, including the bankruptcy of depleted mines, the arrangement of workers of bankrupt mines and the relocation of residents, have priority and should be specifically implemented," he said.

The rejuvenation of northeast China has made a good start, he said, but there are still many difficulties and problems ahead. "We should prepare for long-term struggle," he said.

(China Daily November 16, 2004)